LOWER BACK STRAIN AND SPASMS

Our back is an incredibly strong structure and it can take on a significant amount of load.   From time to time the surrounding muscles fatigue from overuse or increased load, and this can eventually lead to a muscle strain and/or spasm.

What is a muscle strain?

A muscle strain is damage to the muscle, causing tears within the fibres.  The tear is the result of the muscle becoming incapable of coping with the demands placed upon it. This often occurs as a result of overstretching the muscles during exercise or by overloading the muscle during heavy lifting or overuse.

There are varying levels of strains and the symptoms often determine how the injury is treated and managed.

Grade 1 (Mild strain) – damage to a small percentage of muscle fibres, the pain is often felt the following day but there will still be full function of the muscle and little loss in strength.  Recovery is approx. 2-3 weeks.

Grade 2 (moderate strain) – a more extensive tearing of the muscle fibres, and a noticeable loss in strength.  Recovery time is approx. 3-6 weeks.

Grade 3 (major strain) – full rupture of the muscle whereby the muscle has separated from the tendon or torn within the belly of the muscle.  Surgery is often required and recovery can be 3 months plus.

 

What is a muscle spasm?

Muscle spasms often happen following a muscle strain or injury to the area. It can occur due to overuse, weakness or injury. It is a protective mechanism to prevent movement and further damage.

Back muscle spasms often occur near the spinal cord and can compress nerves leading to severe pain.

 

Back Strain Symptoms

·      Pain

·      Swelling

·      Muscle spasm

·      Limited range of movement

·      Weakness

 

Back Spasm Symptoms

·      Feeling similar to a severe cramp

·      Tightness, pulling or stabbing pain in the back

·      Reduced range of movement

·      Redness and swelling

·      If the spasm compresses a nerve, symptoms can be neurological including numbness, tingling and sharp shooting pain

 

Treating Muscle strains and spasms

Below is a detailed general recovery treatment plan for an acute episode of low back pain:

  1. Minimising Pain: Day 1 & 2- The first few days of injuring your back can be debilitating and painful. For many, just getting in and out of bed can be an arduous task. In the first 1-2 days, minimal movement and avoiding activities that aggravate your back is wise. You may choose to take some anti-inflammatory medication (see your doctor for advice). Ice may be appropriate depending on muscle pain and location of this.

  2. Increasing Range of Movement and blood flow to the area - After 48 hours it's a good idea to book an appointment with your myotherapist. They will assist you in gaining back some range of movement and helping to relax any muscle tension around the area. They will also be able to provide a thorough assessment. Remember - scans and imaging are NOT often required for low back pain.

  3. Getting back into your normal routine - One of the most important things I recommend those with back pain do is move! Evidence shows it is important to gradually get moving again and partake in your normal day-to-day activities, including lifting, twisting and bending, all of which help to strengthen and regain movement in the back. Avoiding doing such movements will mean a slower recovery. Best of all - walking works wonders for low back pain!