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Lower Back Strains and Sprains
Information provided by Jeff Portman - Published: 2009-02-17
Specific exercises should be done after the pain has decreased to get your back into better condition. Exercises should be done that will strengthen the muscles of the low back, hips, and abdomen. They are simple, do not require special equipment, and can be done at home.
It is important to have the cause of Low Back Pain evaluated by a physician to ensure a condition is not being treated incorrectly. Some back injuries can lead to serious conditions and may require immediate treatment.
Rest – usually bedrest should begin shortly after the injury. This controls muscle spasms and provides time for muscle inflammation to subside. It is usually not necessary to continue bedrest longer than 48 hours. Too long a period of inactivity leads to muscle weakness and stiffness. Once the inflammation has subsided, simple stretches should be started.
Anti-inflammatory medications are helpful in treating the acute symptoms as they control pain as they reduce inflammation.
Muscle relaxant medications may be prescribed by your doctor. They help by reducing muscle spasms and inflammation.
Alternating treatments of heat and cold help reduce inflammation and relax muscle spasms.
Physical therapy and stretching and strengthening exercises help control inflammation and condition the lumbar muscles. This type of exercise should be mild and not painful. If the muscles are not lightly exercised, they will become weakened and de-conditioned. When this happens, it is very difficult to recover from a back injury.
Specific exercises should be done after the pain has decreased to get your back into better condition. Exercises should be done that will strengthen the muscles of the low back, hips, and abdomen. They are simple, do not require special equipment, and can be done at home.
Maintain adequate hydration as this flushes out waste products of inflammation that accumulate and increase muscle irritation.
If back pain symptoms persist, you should seek medical attention for further evaluation. X-rays, a MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging), a CT (Computerized Tomography), and laboratory tests may be necessary to diagnose the disorder.
Many people who have back injuries also have weak core muscles. These are the abdominal and back muscles that support the spine. After the injury has healed and symptoms subsided, a regular regimen of core strengthening exercises should be undertaken to avoid future injuries.
Reference: Jeff Portman is a spinal decompression therapist, who has worked with individuals with back pain problems for seven years.
- This web page is from the Disabled World Sprains and Strains section which provides: Explains difference between a strain and sprain including syptoms and treatment for each plus list of common muscle sprains and sprains.
