sprained muscle  i n back?
361597
What is a low back strain or lumbar sprain?\nMuscle strains and lumbar sprains are the most common causes of low back pain. A low back muscle strain occurs when the muscle fibers are abnormally stretched or torn. A lumbar sprain occurs when the ligaments, the tough bands of tissue that hold bones together, are torn from their attachments. Differentiating a strain from a sprain can be difficult, as both injuries will show similar symptoms. Many doctors refer to both injuries as a category called "musculoligamentous injuries" of the lumbar spine. In general, it doesn't matter what you call the problem because the treatment and prognosis for both back strains and sprains is the same. \n\nWhy are sprains and strains of the low back so common?\nThe spine is supported by large muscles called the paraspinal muscles. These muscles both support the spinal column as well as the weight of the upper body. The five lumbar vertebrae are connected by tough ligaments that help to maintain the position of the spinal column. \n\nThese muscles, ligaments, and bones all work together to provide control and strength for nearly all activities. The lumbar spine and its muscles are needed for most all movements and activities. For this reason, the lumbar spine is prone to injury, and when an injury has been sustained, we are prevented from performing many activities\n\nWhat causes these symptoms of low back pain and spasm?\nWhen the lumbar spine is strained or sprained, inflammation of the soft-tissues results. This inflammation causes pain and can cause muscle spasm. People are often surprised at how painful and debilitating a lumbar strain or sprain can be--these are not small injuries. They often force patients to remain in bed for a day or two, and can cause intermittent symptoms for weeks. That said, over 90% of patients are completely recovered from an episode of lumbar muscle strain or sprain within one month. \n\nWhy do some patients tend to have low back strains and sprains more often?\nGood question! We do know some factors that tend to influence the development of this type of problem, but often these symptoms strike in unexpected situations. Most commonly, patients who develop a lumbar strain or sprain are doing an activity that places their back at risk. This may be a sudden forceful movement, lifting a heavy object, or twisting the back in an unusual manner. Knowing how to properly lift can help to prevent many back injuries. \n\nSome well known factors that contribute to low back pain include: \n\nPoor conditioning \n\nObesity \n\nSmoking \n\nImproper use/lifting technique \nIf you have persistent problems with your lumbar spine, consider these issues. If you smoke, are overweight, or do not perform regular back strengthening exercises, then you have steps that you can take to help control your symptoms.\n\nProper conditioning is important to both avoid this type of problem and recover from this injury. By stretching and strengthening the back muscles, you will help control the inflammation and better condition the lumbar back muscles. The exercises should not be painful. Without some simple exercises, the low back muscles can become "deconditioned," or weak. When the low back muscles are deconditioned, it is very difficult to fully recover from low back injuries. \nIt is also important to understand that even if you are "in good shape," you may have weak low back muscles. When you have a low back muscle injury, you should perform specific exercises that stretch and strengthen the muscles of the low back, hips and abdomen. These exercises are relatively simple, do not require special equipment, and can be performed at home.
1029655
Wait and see what your doctor has to say.  You may have dislocated it temporarily.  Popping back in may have done some nerve damage.  Meanwhile, don't try to do anything that will hurt it.  Take pain relievers, try heating pads (or if it's swollen, ice packs) and rest it.\n\nYou may need physical therapy to get your strength back.  There are elastic bands called Thera-bands that look like giant rubber bands, so you can do some of the exercizes at home.  There are also stretches your doctor can have you do.
245908
drink 64 oz of water and 64 oz of cranberry juice today.  If it still hurts tomorrow, it's probably a back problem.
805397
Personally, I don't suggest you to see a chiro. You may however try putting hot compress on the area for 20 - 30 min a day or as needed. Then try stretching back muscles. Also, strengthen muscles on your back. If the pain worsens, try seeing an orthopedic doctor. You you will go through an a xray to check if it's your spine that's causing the pain. If it's the muscle, go to a physical therapist. You can be treated with Ultrasound and they'll teach you the different exercises that can stretch and streghten the muscles supporting your back legs.
582360
You may have broken or cracked your tail bone. I fell flat on my back when I was about 14 years old. A doctor told me years later that I had cracked it. Hurt like the dickens for a long time. There isn't a lot you can do. A heating pad might ease the soreness some. It will take some time for a bruise like that to heal. If it doesn't start to feel better in 3-4 weeks you should probably go to the doctor.
998501
Please go and see a physio they will firstly listen to the cause of injury then massage area with a clear gell substance and a heated wand this is very relaxing and loosens those torn and inflamed muscles and tendons this goes on for about 20 - 30 minutes then they will gently click your spine back inplace.\n\nYou will feel like your back to normal when you walk out of the physio but you will have to take it easy and go back for the very same treatment, it is comfortable, relaxation, and painfree and there is no risk they are professionals and will tell what to do and what not to do.  All the very Best.\n\nSome physio's bulk-bill others you have to pay but can get some money back from medicare, or personal health care agent and health care card.
626949
you may of trapped a small nerve rather than pulled a muscle.but wen you pull a muscle usually it doesnt bruise from the outside.it sounds more like a trapped nerve because offthe pain shifting.get checked out by your doctor
592472
Yes, the obvious solution is to see a doctor. I trust my doctor much more than I do these people on here. Most have little or no medical training.  I hope you recover soon and with as little pain as possible.\n\nTerry
798868
I have Sciatica and my symptoms are a numb foot and my calf feels like the muscle is pulled.  I had an MRI and its a pinched S1 nerve from a bulging disk.  I know someone else who had sciatica from a L5 herniation and nerve pinch and there was buttock and ankle soreness.  Usually sciatica goes lower than just the buttocks but not always.  My Doc told me that it is possible to injure a disk by sneezing or vomiting if you already have a weakness there.  Also, many times its just muscle related and goes away with time.  He might want to try massage, or talk to his Doc about getting muscle relaxer and anti-inflammatory meds if he doesn't get better.  The next step is an MRI diagnosis if it doesn't respond any in a few weeks. I was told that it usually takes about 6 weeks to heal from a disk problem. Good luck!
631221
It's a long process I am going through the same thing.  Take a lot of IB profen it's good for inflammation.  Go to the gym and work your quads, eat bannanas.  Lay on your back put your hurt leg in the air and try to bend it down as much as possible.  It's going to hurt you have to try to get over the pain.  Every time you bend it try to make it go lower and lower.  This will help but you have to work with it and do everything your told to do.
947000
Did you get one of those back pain anesthetics? Those could be the cause.\n\nBut a pinched nerve in the back would be a different explanation. I would go see a doc, get referred to a specialist. Then they can give you an xray and MRI to determine if there is anything wrong. They will give you pain medication and probably refer you to a physical therapist. They will show you how to probably sit up, do exercises to strengthen that area of the back, etc.
981801
Yes, you can its called over exertion. Sometimes it can be the bodies way of warning you to slow down or maybe you have used that muscle too much in a short time period.\n\nI have just recenlty got over a bad back. Dont listen to people when they tell you to wear a support when carry heavy equipment etc. Just rest until the pain goes and then just take it easy when you return to work.\n\nThe more you get reliant on a back support, it weakens the muscle that it holds in place. Therefore, making the back more vunerable. It might be worth drinking protein drinks when after any physical exertion. These supplements are not just designed for body builders but for general purpose. Thats how our bodies remain strong/ and get stronger. The types of foods we eat in this day and age dont provide us with sufficient protin levels so we have to make up for it in some way.\n\nI had a very bad back and I noticed a significant difference when trying these. Hope this helps.
326352
Could be a cyst or a tear in the muscle. Probably a good idea to see an orthopedic doctor.
1045792
yes its possible but it would be more likely from an injury to your back. Not the Vagus nerve. It would be the phrenic nerve which innervates the diaphragm that could cause it but you need to get checked out by a neurologist and or neurosurgeon.
1169019
Firstly, how long have you had this pain? Secondly, what were you doing that caused this?  I find that besides cold/heat treatment, I use motrin.  It really helps me.  I also try to carefully, emphasize carefully, do back stretcht.  Lean forward slowly and to the side.  Lastly, try not to make major movement and then rest in combination with cold treatment and motrin.  Do no take more motrin than the recommended dosage/day.  \n\nGood luck.  If nothing works for a "long" time see an MD or a chiropractor.
314933
Go to the ER and complain of back pain.  It will cost you $50 or more depending on your insurance.  Tell the doc that you've been in bed for 3 days after lifting rocks in your garden.\n\nHow's that for a lie?\nOn Sunday go to church and pray for forgiveness.
136747
its definatly not normal, your form was probably wrong on the exercise. I will post a link bellow which will explain and show pictures on how to do a proper squat.\n\nalso i suggest that your apply something cold for 30 min and then apply something hot for another 30 min for a few days. A hot tub with powerful jets also work well, or a deep tissue massage if you can afford it.This should help recovery of your back muscles. The back unfortunatly takes an awfully long time to recover from bad form, especialy doing squats. \n\nyou might want to try barbell squats next time, as your can have the weights by your side instead of on top of your back. It also will teach you proper form