Pulled muscles in the back occur when muscle tissue stretches beyond its normal limits, usually from a sudden, jarring movement or abnormal strain. Causes include sports injuries, heavy lifting, and slips and falls. Home treatment will suffice for most cases, but back muscles that stretch and tear may need surgical repair. Numbness or a very high level of pain and motion restriction indicates that patients should seek professional medical care. Home remedies for moderate muscle pulls, or strains, offer immediate, effective pain relief and rehabilitation aid.
Cease and Resume Activity
Timing is everything in home treatment for pulled muscles, and the first order of business is to rest the affected muscle group. This achieves pain relief and initiates the healing process.
Because self-carriage requires the back and other muscles to work together, patients should get off their feet for at least a day, to ensure a rest period. Too much immobility, however, is counterproductive. The University of Maryland Medical Center counsels patients to rest until movement is no longer painful and then to gradually resume activity.
Take Pain Meds
Taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin, acetaminophen or ibuprofen as soon as symptoms arise will help to suppress swelling right away. This, in turn, provides pain relief from the heat, throbbing and soreness of pulled muscle inflammation. The Cleveland Clinic notes that the first 24 to 48 hours after a back injury represent the acute inflammatory phase, during which patients should follow a regular dosage schedule.
Ice the Inflamed Area
While resting, cold compresses can be used to remedy swelling. The University of Buffalo Sports Medicine group prescribes 30-minute applications of cold packs every four hours when swelling is present.
A reusable gel pack chilled in the refrigerator can be placed directly on swollen back muscles while the patient is sitting or lying down. Children or individuals who are sensitive to medications may prefer this home treatment that offers natural pain relief.
Protect Injured Muscles
The Mayo Clinic recommends getting a doctor's advice before using an elastic back brace, which uses compression to support the pulled muscles. Supporting body weight with crutches or a cane when mobile protects the back from further injury.
Ease Residual Soreness
After acute inflammation has subsided, stiffness and soreness in the back may linger. UMMC suggests heat applications at this stage of home treatment. A heated gel pack, hot bath or topical capsaicin ointment can ease sore muscles as needed. Hot packs can be microwaved or placed in hot water and then applied for 30-minute sessions.
