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Pulling a muscle in your back can be very painful and is usually caused by twisting or pulling a muscle or tendon. This can result in a strain, which is when the muscle fibres are torn or overstretched. The lumbar (lower) spine is particularly susceptible to strains and sprains, which can cause the muscles and tissues to become swollen and inflamed, leading to pain and muscle spasms. This inflammation can be treated with ice packs, heat, and anti-inflammatory medications to reduce swelling and pain.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause | Twisting, pulling, tearing, overstretching, or improper lifting |
| Symptoms | Pain, swelling, muscle spasms, redness, bruising |
| Treatment | Rest, ice, compression, elevation, anti-inflammatory medication, physical therapy, gentle stretching, massage |
| Recovery | Most people recover at home within a few weeks, but severe tears may require surgery |
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What You'll Learn
Pulled back muscle symptoms
A pulled back muscle, or lumbar strain, is a common injury that can cause debilitating pain. This type of injury occurs when muscle fibres in the lower back are abnormally stretched or torn. This can happen through overuse, twisting, or pulling a muscle or tendon. The lumbar (lower) spine supports the weight of the upper body and is involved in moving, twisting, and bending, making it particularly susceptible to strain.
Symptoms
The symptoms of a pulled back muscle include:
- Pain: This is usually concentrated in the lower back but may also be felt in the buttocks, hips, and rarely, down the legs. Pain is often more intense when moving and lessens when still.
- Swelling and inflammation: This can cause the muscles to feel stiff and tight and may be tender to the touch.
- Muscle spasms and cramps: These can cause intense pain and temporarily limit mobility.
- Redness or bruising.
Treatment
Most people with a pulled back muscle will fully recover with rest and self-care within two weeks. It is recommended to rest for the first 24 to 48 hours, applying ice packs to reduce swelling and pain. After this initial period, it is important to return to normal activities as tolerated to avoid prolonged symptoms and delayed recovery. Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen, can help reduce pain and swelling.
If symptoms persist beyond two weeks, additional treatment may be required, and it is advisable to seek medical attention. Physical therapy and exercises to strengthen the back and improve flexibility can help prevent future injuries.
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Treatment options
Rest
It is important to rest to avoid further damage, but you should not stop moving altogether. Gentle movements that cause no pain can aid the healing process. Extended bed rest is not recommended, as it can prolong symptoms and delay recovery.
Ice and heat therapy
Applying ice to the affected area as soon as possible can help to reduce swelling, inflammation, and pain. Wrap an ice pack or a bag of frozen vegetables in a towel and place it on the sore area for 10 to 20 minutes at a time. After a few days of cold therapy, you can switch to heat therapy or alternate between cold and heat to further reduce pain and increase blood circulation. Apply a heat pack wrapped in a towel or cloth to avoid burns and leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes at a time. Do not apply ice or heat packs directly to the skin.
Compression
Compressing the muscles with a back brace can help to keep the swelling down and control pain. Make sure not to put the brace on too tightly or wear it all the time, as your muscles need blood flow to heal.
Elevation
Keeping the affected area elevated can help to reduce swelling and inflammation.
Pain relievers
Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), or aspirin, can help reduce swelling, inflammation, and pain. These medications have potential side effects and should not be used long-term. Always check with your doctor or pharmacist to ensure they do not interact with other medications you may be taking.
Physical therapy
Gentle stretching and strengthening exercises can help reduce overall pain and prevent future complications. It is important to gradually build strength and reintroduce movement after the initial recovery phase. Yoga may also be an effective treatment option, but it is important to consult a doctor or physiotherapist before starting a yoga practice for a current lower back strain.
Medical care
Most pulled back muscles can be treated at home, but severe tears may require medical care or even surgery. If your pain does not improve with self-care treatments after one to two weeks, seek medical attention. A doctor will likely perform a physical examination and may request further tests, such as an X-ray, MRI, or electromyogram, to diagnose the severity of the strain and rule out other conditions.
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Recovery timeline
A pulled back muscle, or lumbar strain, is a common injury that can cause swelling and pain. The recovery timeline for a pulled back muscle typically follows this progression:
Immediate treatment
After the injury, it is important to rest and limit activities for the first 24 to 48 hours. Applying ice to the affected area can help reduce swelling and pain. It is recommended to use a cold pack for 15 to 20 minutes, wrapped in a towel to avoid direct contact with the skin. Compression bandages or an active compression system can also help manage swelling and support the back.
First few days
During the first few days after the injury, inflammation is the main source of pain. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen or naproxen, can help reduce swelling and inflammation, providing pain relief. Applying heat to the affected area for short periods can also be beneficial.
First two weeks
Most people with a pulled back muscle will notice an improvement in their symptoms within the first two weeks. It is important to gradually resume normal activities during this time, as extended bed rest can delay recovery and lead to muscle weakness. Gentle exercises, such as stretching, can help manage muscle spasms and improve back strength.
Beyond two weeks
If symptoms persist beyond two weeks, additional treatment may be required. A visit to a physical therapist is recommended if pain and swelling continue, and they can provide a personalized treatment plan. This may include pelvic traction, massage, ultrasound, electrical muscle stimulation, and further exercises to perform at home.
Complete recovery
The likelihood of a complete recovery from a pulled back muscle is excellent. More than 90% of patients completely recover within one month of the injury. Maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, and practicing good posture can help prevent future injuries and maintain back health.
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Prevention methods
While it is not possible to prevent all back injuries, there are several steps you can take to lower the risk of a pulled back muscle, also known as a lumbar strain.
Firstly, it is important to exercise regularly and include stretching in your routine. This helps to keep your joints flexible and your muscles in good condition. Additionally, maintaining a healthy weight is crucial as excess weight puts added stress on the structures of the lower back.
Secondly, focus on practising safety measures to help prevent falls and injuries. This includes wearing properly fitting shoes and keeping your surroundings clutter-free, especially stairs and walkways. When sitting, maintain a good posture by keeping your knees bent and your feet flat on the floor. Avoid overreaching and twisting movements, and when lifting heavy objects, use proper form. Keep the object close to your waist, maintain a stable position with one leg slightly forward, and bend your knees instead of your back to lift the object.
Finally, if you experience muscle soreness or tightness, consider using ice and heat therapy, as well as gentle exercises, to aid in muscle recovery and prevent strain.
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When to seek medical attention
A pulled back muscle, or lumbar strain, is a common injury that can cause swelling and pain. While there are home treatments to help relieve the swelling and pain, there are certain situations where you should seek medical attention.
Firstly, if your pain and swelling do not improve with cold or heat therapy, massage, or stretching, and last for more than one to two weeks, you should seek medical attention. This is because the most common complication of a back strain is a reduction in activity, which can lead to weight gain, loss of bone density, and loss of muscle strength and flexibility.
Secondly, if you experience severe pain and cannot walk more than a few steps, or have numbness in the area of injury or down your leg, you should seek medical attention. Other symptoms that require immediate medical attention include a lump or area with an unusual shape, severe weakness or loss of function, and difficulty walking, bending forward or sideways, or standing straight.
In the case of severe strains, your doctor may recommend an X-ray or MRI scan to rule out more serious conditions or injuries, such as a fractured or herniated disc, as the cause of your back pain.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, a pulled back muscle can cause swelling. This is due to inflammation, which also causes pain and muscle spasms.
A pulled back muscle, or lumbar strain, is caused by twisting or pulling a muscle or tendon, resulting in a tear. This can be caused by a single instance of improper lifting or by overstressing the back muscles.
Most pulled back muscles can be treated at home with the RICE method: rest, ice, compression, and elevation. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen, can also help reduce swelling and pain.
If your symptoms last longer than one to two weeks, you should seek medical care. You should also seek immediate medical attention if you hear a crack when the injury occurs, or if you develop a fever or experience incontinence afterward.
