Muscle Strain (Pulled Muscle)

What is Back Muscle Strain?

A muscle strain, pulled muscle, or even muscle tear occurs when your muscle or its tendons are stretched too far. We often overdo it when we are performing daily activities, such as heavy lifting, sports or even work. When you perform these activities suddenly, it may put pressure on muscles, causing a strain.

You are probably wondering, what’s the difference between a strain and a sprain? Well, a strain occurs when there is an injury to a muscle or the band of tissue that attaches a muscle to the bone. On the other hand, a sprain is an injury of the bands of tissue that connects bones to another.

Causes & Risk Factors for a Pulled Muscle

There are two different types of sprains that can happen, acute and chronic. An acute strain is caused by a single occurrence. However, a chronic strain can result from repetitive injuries which cause stress to a muscle over and over again.

Back muscle strain can be caused by:

• Extreme physical exertion.
• Bending or crouching repeatedly.
• Falling.
• Lifting heavy objects if you are not in shape.

When you participate in contact sports, such as soccer, football, boxing and wrestling, your risks increase. Certain parts of the body are more prone to injury during sports.

Muscle Strain Symptoms

When experiencing a pulled muscle symptoms may vary. Although depending on the severity, they may include:

• Pain in the buttocks and the legs, often in the back of the thigh.
• Stiffness and pain in the back.
• Pain that worsens when bending, stretching, coughing, or sneezing.

Treatments Options

• Icing your back
• Apply heat after a couple of days of rest
• Pain medications, such as NSAIDs
• Physical therapy

Taking it easy for a couple of days is recommended. However, studies have shown that bed rest is not a good idea when you are experiencing a back strain and light activity thereafter is necessary.

If you are experiencing back pain call us to speak to one of our spine surgeons at 888-409-8006. Offices are conveniently located throughout South Florida; Boa Raton, Deerfield Beach, Coral Springs & Plantation.