Many athletes in contact sports experience painful torn muscles in the back, but ordinary heavy lifting or slips and falls can cause them, too. As soon as patients notice symptoms of a severe back strain, they should get off their feet to relieve tension and weight stress on the area. Beginning injury treatment immediately will reduce the length of the inflammatory stage and speed overall recovery. Home care may be augmented with professional physical therapy, massage and, in severe cases, surgery and prescription medication.
Identification
Acute back strains that occur during overstretching or using too much force in lifting may be identified by a popping or burning sensation, the University of Buffalo Sports Medicine group says. Alternatively, chronic overuse that results in a torn muscle may have no recognizable trigger. Back pain and inflammation may instead come on little by little until it hits an uncomfortable peak.
Features
During the first 48 hours or so after a back strain, the National Institutes of Health advises first aid treatment that includes resting the torn muscle and alleviating back pain. Ice packs and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as naproxen and ibuprofen, provide relief from both pain and swelling. When health improves, range-of-motion stretches and gradually increasing exercise will restore patients' flexibility and fitness. Extensive tissue damage may require surgical treatment.
Function
Ice packs can suppress back pain immediately after injury and during rehabilitation, when workouts leave patients feeling sore. While some pain medications shouldn't be taken for extended periods, cold therapy is safe to use indefinitely. The NIH suggests 20-minute applications as much as eight times daily.
Solutions
Safely returning to exercise and sports depends on easing into higher levels of activity as function of the torn muscle tissue improves. A physical therapist can provide instruction. According to the Cleveland Clinic, therapeutic massage can also aid this process, creating greater flexibility by lengthening the muscles of the back.
Time Frame
Patients should allow symptoms of back pain and swelling to determine the duration of acute care. Rest and activity restriction should continue until painful movement abates. The NIH recommends that stretching for flexibility begin as soon as possible to curtail muscle weakness and stiffness. Strengthening exercises can begin in the second week after a back strain or surgery and continue for several weeks. Depending on the severity of the muscle tear and the overall health of the patient, the NIH reports that full recovery can take from two to 12 months.
