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How to Treat a Pulled Back Muscle In many cases, a minor back muscle strain can be treated at home or with the help of a physical therapist. If you are noticing the early signs of a pulled back muscle, consider these treatment options 4 : Over-the-Counter Medication Over-the-counter pain medications may treat the minor aches and pains associated with a pulled back muscle.
Cold Therapy Applying therapeutic cold to a pulled back muscle may help reduce pain and swelling without the use of medication. Heat Therapy After the inflammation subsides, you can try applying heat to the area, which may help relieve pain, relax muscles, and promote circulation.
Massage Therapy Therapeutic massage may help relax tight muscles and increase circulation to promote healing. Staying Active Although getting ample rest is important for healing, total inactivity can weaken muscles, cause stiffness, and contribute to a higher risk of injury. Harvard Health. Accessed December Pietrangelo A, Cherney K. Muscle strains. Published January 11, Nall R. What can cause morning back pain?.
Medical News Today. Published April 12, Sprains and strains won't show up on x-rays or any other test, but your symptoms can paint a fairly clear picture. If your pain has lasted for several weeks without a hint of improvement, your doctor may order an x-ray or a high-tech imaging test to check for herniated disks or other injuries. Such tests can also detect or rule out spinal infections and cancer.
Muscle relaxants help some patients, but they generally don't work any better than NSAIDs and often cause drowsiness. Physical therapy can be important to quicken your recovery and prevent recurrence.
Core strengthening and pelvic stabilization exercises are particularly helpful. A therapist can also instruct you on proper lifting techniques. Surgery is generally not indicated for chronic low back pain. According to a report in the New England Journal of Medicine , surgery has never been shown to ease low back pain caused by sprains or strains, and may make it worse.
One key point to remember is that surgery is more likely to be beneficial if a back injury causes chronic pain radiating into the legs. Be sure to get a second opinion if necessary. Once you've had an episode of back pain, the pain is likely to come back. Your job is to make sure the attacks are as brief and as far apart as possible.
A strengthening and stretching program Pilates or yoga will help keep the muscles used for lifting in good shape and less vulnerable to strain. For extra protection, keep a straight posture when standing or sitting.
If you lift heavy objects, let your legs, not your back, do the work. No appointment needed. No waiting room. Connect with a member of Cottage Virtual Care's team of doctors and nurse practitioners online. Treatment in Minutes.
For over years, our not-for-profit health system has been providing advanced medical care for patients throughout California. Today, our nationally recognized services provide families with the patient-centered care they deserve. Cottage Health is prepared to provide ongoing care in our community and has isolation precautions in place to provide care for this and other respiratory illnesses. Learn More. This digital resource is full of events, healthy tips and nutritional information to help you on your wellness journey.
In This Section. Newsroom Back Strains and Sprains. Recovery from a minor strain or tear can be affected by observing the R. Your orthopedist may also recommend NSAIDs — non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs — to help reduce swelling. A moderate muscle strain or tear can usually be treated similarly but for a longer period of a time. Normal activities can be resumed when a full range of motion returns without accompanying pain. Moderate tears may require physical therapy. A severe tear that requires surgical repair can take months or longer to heal.
In this case, remember the adage: Do no H. In most cases, muscles tears are preventable by observing proper warm-up techniques and never forcing a cold muscle to perform full tilt.
Using the proper form in any activity is also critical to maintaining healthy muscles. Get to know your body and understand its signals. This is the best way to not only avoid injury, but to ensure continued peak performance.
The orthopedic doctors at the Center for Orthopedic Surgery and Sports Medicine are experienced treating all types of orthopedic injuries, including muscle tears.
At The Center for Orthopaedic Surgery and Sports Medicine in San Antonio, TX , our board-certified and fellowship-trained physicians specialize in general orthopedics; total joint replacement ; surgery of the hand , wrist, and elbow; arthroscopic surgery of the knee and shoulder; sports medicine ; and fractures.
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