
The treatment for strains and sprains is similar, and often takes place in two phases. How are back strains and sprains treated? In some cases, the person may feel a pop or tear at the time of the injury.

Decreased function and/or range of motion of the joint (difficulty walking, bending forward or sideways, or standing straight).Muscle cramping or spasms (sudden uncontrollable muscle contractions).What are the symptoms of a back strain or sprain? Playing sports that involve pushing and pulling-such as weightlifting and football-also increases the risk of a low back injury. Having weak back or abdominal muscles, and/or tight hamstrings (muscles in the back of the thighs).In addition, several factors can put a person at greater risk for a back strain or sprain, including: All of these conditions stretch one or more ligaments beyond their normal range of movement, causing injury. A chronic (long-term) strain usually results from overuse after prolonged, repetitive movement of the muscles and tendons.Ī sprain often occurs after a fall or sudden twist, or a blow to the body that forces a joint out of its normal position. It can also be caused by a single instance of improper lifting or by overstressing the back muscles. Twisting or pulling a muscle or tendon can result in a strain. Next to headaches, back problems are the most common complaint to healthcare professionals. Strains and sprains are very common injuries. Ligaments are the fibrous bands of tissue that connect two or more bones at a joint and prevent excessive movement of the joint. With a back strain, the muscles and tendons that support the spine are twisted, pulled or torn.Ī sprain is the stretching or tearing of a ligament. Tendons are the tough, fibrous bands of tissue that connect muscle to bone. What is a strain?Ī strain is an injury to either a muscle or tendon. It makes sense, then, that injuries to the lower back-such as strains and sprains-are common.

The back-especially the lumbar, or lower back-bears much of the body’s weight during walking, running, lifting and other activities. The back is a complex structure of bone and muscle, supported by cartilage, tendons and ligaments, and fed by a network of blood vessels and nerves.
