Whether injury or bone degeneration causes pulled muscles in the back, patients can often treat their own symptoms as well as get to the bottom of the source of back pain. A blow, fall or strain from lifting can initiate the health problem. Alternatively, strenuous sleeping or waking postures can cause muscle damage over time.
In some cases, making lifestyle changes will eliminate back strain. Individuals who suspect arthritis, disc or nerve problems, however, should pursue medical testing.
Function
Sudden force or impact on the back makes the muscle tissue fibers pull apart. This loss of tensile strength causes back pain, weakness and weight stress because the pulled muscle fails to effectively support body weight. The National Institutes of Health note that the severity of symptoms will depend on whether the muscle tissue tears.
Effects
The immune system will attempt to repair the back strain injury by increasing blood flow to the area. Symptoms of pulled muscles include warmth, swelling and muscle cramps, the NIH reports. As inflammation grows, muscular pain increases, and as it fades, symptoms evolve into muscle aches and soreness that can linger.
Identification
Doctors never identify definitive causes in the majority of back pain conditions, according to the Cleveland Clinic. This makes self-evaluation extremely important.
Posture habits, changes in normal movement patterns and traumatic accidents can be noted by individuals. Practices such as wearing high-heeled shoes or working one side of the body more than the other, which physicians don't always know about, can create back strain.
Solution
Treatment for pulled muscles includes pain and inflammation relief and physical rehabilitation. The NIH suggests ibuprofen or aspirin medications and cold pack applications to reduce pain and swelling. When the severity of these symptoms fades, easy range-of-motion stretches will help patients regain strength and flexibility. Individuals should not return to full activity until the pain disappears.
Prevention
Patients should consider changing their posture, footwear or sleep support if back pain recurs frequently. According to the American Chiropractic Association, upgrading shoe quality or getting doctor-prescribed orthotic inserts can improve standing posture and reduce back strain. Adjusting office furniture and computer equipment can prevent back problems while sitting at a desk. Buying a new, supportive mattress and pillow can change sleep posture for the better. The ACA encourages lying on the back or side over sleeping on the stomach in order to cause the least stress on the muscles of the back.
