Lower back pain can be caused by multiple things, but sometimes it is from a strain or sprain in the back. Strains and Sprains are often confused and grouped as one thing. Most people do not know it but they are two very different injuries. This article will briefly describe the differences between the two as well as the symptoms, causes and treatments.
A strain is when a muscle or tendon is injured. It is caused when the muscles or tendons are torn, twisted or pulled. A sprain, on the other hand, involves ligaments. When ligaments are stretched or torn, joint movement can become extremely difficult. Even though these injuries are different the symptoms, causes and treatments are normally the same.
The symptoms of the two injuries are very similar. Most people complain of pain that worsens with movement when they have a strain or sprain. Some people have reported that they have muscle spasms in their back. Muscle spasms are sudden and uncontrollable contractions within your muscles. Muscle spasms are most likely to occur when people switch from rapid movement to being still. A decrease in the range of movement in your back also may be a symptom of one of these symptoms. The chances are that if you are experiencing extensive back discomfort you may be suffering from one of these problems.
Back pain, because of strains and sprains, can be caused by almost anything. Some people get them from just simply bending over. The most common way to get this type of injury is by falling, sudden twisting, and lifting items of heavy weight. Other factors that cause these symptoms are obesity, weak muscles or tight hamstrings. Obesity can cause excess stress on the back in turn causing problems. Weak muscles are known cause stains because when the muscle is weak it is likely to tear or twist. Hamstring tightness is related to back pain because the muscles in the back of the thighs are connected to those in the back. When one muscle is injured, it is common for those connected to it to become injured also.
The treatment of back pain from strains and sprains can vary depending on the circumstances. Most commonly a doctor will advise you to divide your treatment into two sections. It is crucial that the first part of treatment be done within the first 24 to 48 hours after the pain occurs. This consists of resting and the use of an ice pack and compression. Most likely after doing this the pain will lessen and you can begin the second part. The second portion consists of returning to daily activity with caution. One on the biggest mistakes people make when treating these types of injuries is prolonging the rest. When your back rests too much such trauma recovery will take longer.
These are the most common types of back pain. People that experience back pain are advised to see a physician. It is important to remember that each one is different, but have the majority of the same symptoms, causes and treatments.
