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Muscle Strains in Lower Back
Muscle strains in the lower back can occur for a number of reasons and may be a weak point waiting to happen. It is very important muscle strains are treated properly as imbalances in the back can lead to problems later on.
Symptoms of a Lower Back Muscle Strain
- A sudden sharp pain in the back.
- Possibly swelling or bruising over the area of the rupture.
- Difficulty in moving - bending forwards, sideways or straightening.
Muscle tears are graded 1, 2 or 3 depending on how bad the tear is.
Grade 1
- Tightness in the back.
- May be able to walk properly.
- Probably won't have much swelling.
Grade 2
- Probably cannot walk properly.
- May get occasional sudden twinges of pain during activity.
- May notice swelling.
- Pressing in causes pain.
Grade 3
- Unable to walk properly.
- In severe pain.
- Bad swelling appearing immediately.
- A static contraction will be painful and might produce a bulge in the muscle.
- Expect to be out of competition for 3 to twelve weeks or more.
What is a Muscle Strain?
Low back pain/ muscle strain or ruptures can occur in the back just like they can anywhere else in the body. A muscle strain (or tear) in the back is usually caused by a sudden movement or lifting something that is too heavy. The low back pain however is often a long time coming on as the muscles in the back gradually tighten up due to bad posture and overuse.
These muscles go into spasm and do not get enough blood through them resulting in weakness. So when someone complains of low back pain when they bend down to pick up a piece of paper and tear a muscle in the back, it is not just the piece of paper that caused it but a gradual build up of tension over weeks and months.
If you have suffered a direct blow to a muscle, particularly one near a bone then you must treat it as a contusion.
Treatment of Lower Back Muscle Strains
Grade 1
What can the athlete do?
- See a sports injury professional or therapist who specializes in back problems.
- Use a heat retainer or back brace until you feel no pain.
- Ease down training for a week or two but no need to stop unless there is pain.
What can a Sports Injury Specialist do?
- Use sports massage techniques to speed up recovery (very important).
- Use joint manipulation techniques.
- Use ultrasound and electrical stimulation.
- Prescribe a rehabilitation and strengthening program which may include a course of pilates exercises.
Grade 2
What can the athlete do?
- Rest.
- See a sports injury professional for rehabilitation advice.
What can a Sports Injury Specialist do?
- Use sports massage techniques to speed up recovery (very important).
- Use ultrasound and electrical stimulation.
- Prescribe a rehabilitation programme of mobility, stretching and strengthening exercises.
Grade 3
What can the athlete do?
- Seek medical attention immediately.
- R.I.C.E. (Rest, Ice, Compress, Elevate)
- Use crutches.
- Follow a rehabilitation plan as directed by the sports therapist.
What can a Sports Injury Therapist do?
- Use sports massage techniques to speed up recovery (very important).
- Apply joint manipulation techniques.
- Use ultrasound and electrical stimulation.
- Prescribe a rehabilitation programme and monitor it.
- A surgeon will operate if indicated.
If you suspect a grade two or three injury it is recommended you see a sports injury or back specialist immediately.
