The Spinal Column, the lumbar region of the back is between the lowest rib and the pelvis just behind the abdomen, usually referred as the lower back. Lumbar sprains are the most common causes of low back pain, because the lower back is embodied in every movement and activity we engage. When there is a pulled muscle in the lower back it acutely impairs our life. The most common distinctions of lower back pain are muscle strains and sprains, surprisingly it is the cause of many emergency room visits yearly.
A muscle strain are fibers abnormally stretched or torn. A sprain occurs when ligaments, the sturdy cords of tissue that unite the vertebrae are separated from its base.
The bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments of the lumbar region functions
- as a structural brace for the lumbar spine
- to sustain weight when we stand
- as articulation between the upper and lower body that facilitates rotation and flexibility for the waist
- To protect the spinal cord plus the nerves as they rotate the spinal column
Symptoms and Causes
An incipient detector usually is tightness in the lower back muscles with particular movements or prolonged standing. The pain eases quickly when the tense movements cease or after respite. If tightness is untreated, the chronic strain is usually establishing itself.
Then expect symptoms like muscle spasms, fixed stiffness without any alleviation, dull aching, wheezing causes sharp pain too. The inception of absolute pain is usually sudden and aggravated by certain positions even when lying, and position changes typically helps reduce pain. The severest pain could last 48 to 72 hours then days or weeks of diminishing pain follows. Meanwhile, the back muscles are vulnerable and can be easily re-aggravated.
Likely factors that sensitize lower back strains and sprains:
- Hereditary or congenital spinal defects, such as scoliosis
- Short Leg Syndrome
- Pregnancy/weight gain
- Trauma to the back
- Previous history of back pain
- Being middle-aged increases muscle strains, because senescence decreases strength, agility which is the normal cycle of aging
- Jobs and activities that require long periods of sitting, lifting or pulling heavy objects, or repetitive bending-twisting movements, jarring motions.
- Chronic coughing places a great deal of stress on the spine and attached muscles
Home remedy stretches for mild lower back strain should be started until there is continuity of pain relief. Afterward start stretches like rotation stretch, sideways bending, hamstring stretch. Also compliment back strength exercises like abdominal crunch, exercise ball crunches, planks, and press (simple light bench press motion).
Lastly, improper lifting of objects is common with lower back strain and pain, so adhere the following techniques:
- Wear proper shoes
- Wear a back brace
- Stand close to the object you are going to lift
- Bend at the knees, not at the waist. Keep your back and neck straightened so that your head and eyes are directed forward not downward
- Contract the stomach muscles, and hold the object close to your body
- Lift slowly by standing straight up and the legs should bear most of the weight
