Low back pain is the second most common reason Americans visit a doctor, according to the American Chiropractic Association. The most common cause for low back pain is a strained or pulled muscle, which can result from any sudden, awkward or unexpected movement, such as in a auto accident or sports injury. Some fairly standard treatments for a strained lower back muscle are easily administered at home, but others require professional help.
Ice/Heat
Whenever a muscle is strained, the body starts a process of healing that begins with inflammation. In any inflammatory condition, the first line of defense is the use of ice. Ice can decrease blood flow to an injured muscle and thereby decrease inflammation and pain. In the first 72 hours after an injury such as a pulled muscle, an ice pack should be used by placing it in a thin towel over the injured area for 20 minutes and then removing. This process should be repeated every two hours. Even though it may feel good temporarily, heat should be avoided in the first 72 hours as it will likely exacerbate the problem. If the muscle is still painful after 72 hours, heat may relax muscles and help speed healing.
Medication
Several medications may help temporarily relieve pain and inflammation associated with a pulled lower back muscle. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, such as aspirin or ibuprofen, can serve a dual purpose by reducing and masking pain as well as calming the inflammatory process. When a muscle is strained, it will often spasm, which can aggravate the problem. Doctors may prescribe muscle relaxers to help treat this condition.
Physical Therapy
A physical therapist can use a variety of treatment protocols to manage a strained lower back muscle. In the early stages, a therapist may use electrical muscle stimulation to help drive out inflammation and break muscle spasms. This is accomplished by placing electrodes on the muscles of the low back and by using a machine that introduces small amounts of electrical current into the muscle. This causes the muscle to fatigue and breaks the spasm. This procedure is painless and most patients find it comfortable and very helpful. Physical therapists also treat muscle imbalance and weakness through stretching and exercises.
Chiropractic Manipulation
Chiropractors aim to restore proper motion to the joints of the spine through manipulation, or adjustments. These adjustments are made with gentle impulses into the spine using the doctor's hands. A muscle strain will often cause dysfunction in the spine and correction can be helpful by ensuring that all of the joints of the spine are moving freely and as much stress as possible is taken off of the system. Generally, manipulation is reserved until after the initial acute stage of injury and healing.
