Lower Back Strains

Lower Back Strain | Muscle Strain | Sprained Back

A back muscle strain refers to the tearing of the muscles or ligaments in the back due to excessive stretching or sudden movements. This type of injury is common among individuals engaged in physical activities, such as sports, heavy lifting, or even twisting or bending during daily activities. Although back muscle strains can cause pain and limit mobility, most cases can be effectively managed with rest, physical therapy, and appropriate care.

Causes of Lower Back Strains

Heavy Lifting: Improperly lifting heavy objects or lifting without adequate support can put pressure on the back muscles and ligaments.
Sudden Movements: Quick, unnatural movements, such as twisting the torso while lifting or reaching, can lead to a sprain.
Poor Posture: Prolonged periods of sitting or standing with poor posture can weaken the back muscles and increase the risk of injury.
Overexertion: Engaging in physical activities without proper warm-up or training can lead to muscle fatigue and strains.
Previous Injuries: Individuals with a history of back injuries may have weakened muscles and ligaments, increasing the risk of future injuries.
Age: As individuals age, muscles and ligaments lose elasticity, making them more susceptible to strains.

Symptoms of Lower Back Strains

Pain: The most common symptom is localized pain in the back, which can range from mild to severe and may worsen with movement, lifting, or bending.
Stiffness: The affected area may feel tight or stiff, making it difficult to move.
Swelling: In some cases, there may be swelling or inflammation in the injured area.
Muscle Spasms: Involuntary contractions of the back muscles may occur, leading to additional discomfort.
Limited Mobility: Pain may cause difficulty or reluctance to move, bend, or twist the back.
Radiating Pain: In some cases, pain may radiate to the buttocks or legs, depending on the severity of the injury.

Physiotherapy for Lower Back Strains

To treat muscle strains, it is essential to determine the time and severity of the injury. For acute injuries (within 3 days), the focus is primarily on pain relief and promoting healing. For subacute to chronic stages (4-7 days or more), the emphasis shifts to restoring function and preventing re-injury through treatment and exercise training.

Common physical therapy methods include:

TCM Treatment for Lower Back Strains

From a TCM perspective, low back pain is related to kidney deficiency or stagnation of Qi and blood stasis. Common TCM treatments include:

Acupuncture:Involves needling points associated with back pain, such as Shen Shu, Da Chang Shu, and Wei Zhong, to relieve muscle spasms and also has effects of nourishing the kidneys and strengthening muscles and bones.
Orthopedic Reduction: Through manual therapy techniques, the deep and superficial muscles can be relaxed to alleviate low back pain.
Dit da jow: Applying Dit da jow (e.g., Huoluo oil) to massage the injured area can help relieve pain and restore damaged tissues.

FAQ

How to Distinguish if a Lower Back Strain Affects the Intervertebral Discs and Nerves

1. Symptom Assessment:

Pain Characteristics:

Strain: Typically presents as localized dull or sharp pain, especially worsening with activity or pressure, usually concentrated in the injured area.

Disc or Nerve Impact: Pain may radiate to the legs, buttocks, or feet, commonly referred to as sciatica, and may feel sharp, burning, or tingling.

Numbness or Tingling: If you experience numbness, tingling, or reduced sensation, this may indicate nerve compression or damage.

Muscle Weakness: If you feel weakness in the muscles of the legs or feet, this may be a sign of intervertebral disc herniation or nerve damage.

2. Range of Motion:

Limited Mobility: If you experience severe pain when attempting to bend, twist, or stretch, this may indicate a muscle strain.

If movement is painful and accompanied by radiating pain, it may indicate a disc or nerve issue.

3. Physical Examination:

Palpation: Healthcare professionals can examine muscle tension, swelling, and tenderness in the injured area through palpation.

Disc Issues: Disc problems may cause tenderness or stiffness in other parts of the lower back.

4. Imaging Studies:

X-ray Examination: Can help rule out fractures or other obvious skeletal issues.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): MRI is the best method for assessing intervertebral discs and nerve damage. It can clearly show the condition of the discs and whether there is nerve root compression.

When do I need to get an MRI scan?

Before considering imaging examinations, we need to consider the following:

Whether the pain has significantly impacted your daily habits and work life
Whether the range of pain and numbness/tingling is expanding
Whether there is weakness in the leg muscles
Whether there is difficulty controlling bowel and bladder

If any of the above occur, it is recommended to consult a doctor early and, based on the overall situation, decide whether to undergo an MRI scan.

MANA Core Values

Integration of Eastern and Western Medicine, Multidimensional Therapy
Reshaping Structural Integrity to Achieve Inner and Outer Balance
Guiding Body Perception to Think & Foster a Healthy Lifestyle
Conducted by Registered TCM Practitioners and Physiotherapists for Examination and Treatment

Share With: