1. Get Some Rest
A muscle rupture in the back is also called a muscle strain or tear. It is usually caused by a sudden movement or by trying to lift a heavy object. If you get a ruptured back muscle, you will probably feel a sharp pain in your back and have difficulty moving. You may also have swelling over the rupture. A ruptured back muscle is quite common, simply because the spine and the surrounding muscles are used for most all activities, including sports. If you experience a muscle rupture, rest should be your first treatment step. This will help control the muscle spasm and aid in slowing down the inflammation. But doctors caution against prolonged bed rest as a treatment for muscle injuries. Staying in bed too long can actually slow down your recuperation. Immediate treatment should also include applying a cold pack to the injured spot for the first few days and then changing to heat for several days to increase blood flow.
2. Swallow a Pill
Your doctor will recommend you take over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen or naproxen sodium, to help with pain and to start getting the inflammation under control. If your pain cannot be controlled this way, he will probably prescribe a muscle relaxant. This prescription medication will relax the muscle around the strain, which will ease the pain and help the inflammation to subside. Be careful when taking muscle relaxants, since they can make you sleepy. You should not drive when taking this drug. For very severe pain, your doctor may order a short-term course of hydrocodone or oxycodone. Since these drugs can be addictive,you should only use them when absolutely necessary. There are also creams and sprays for muscle injuries. You can apply these directly to the skin over the injured area.
3. It's Electrifying
Electrical stimulation can also be helpful in reducing inflammation and swelling. This is a low voltage of electrical current directed toward the rupture. The is a safe medical technique that is frequently used for inflammation. The procedure usually last for 15 to 20 minutes. Electrical stimulation can be done by your physician, a physical therapist or a chiropractor.
4. Sounds Like Heat
Ultrasound is another technique often used to treat ruptured back muscles. A completely safe procedure, it sends sound waves and deep heat to the injury to help break up scar tissue and injured ligaments. It also draws blood down into the muscles.
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