Pulled back muscles are a common problem. In fact, back pain affects 80 percent of adults at some point in their lives, according to the Mayo Clinic. Putting too much pressure on your back muscles, such as when lifting heavy objects suddenly and quickly, or while playing sports, can pull (strain) them. If you've pulled a muscle in your back, you've either torn it or excessively stretched it or both the muscle and the tendons attached to it. Often, you can successfully treat a pulled back muscle at home, but more severe cases may require a doctor's care, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Rest
While one of your back muscles is strained, it's a good idea to give your back a rest from activities that cause pain, swelling or discomfort, says the Mayo Clinic. If you can perform your normal activities, do so gently. Limit activities that can aggravate your back pain, such as strenuous lifting, pulling, pushing, twisting or sitting for long periods of time. After your pulled back muscle has healed, you can restore proper muscle tone through stretching and light exercises, such as walking, swimming or bicycling, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Ice
Ice can prove to be an effective healing tool for a pulled back muscle. The Mayo Clinic says that you can minimize swelling by applying ice to the strained area of your back as soon as possible after the injury happens. Use either an ice pack or slush bath of ice and water for the first few days following the injury for periods of 15 to 20 minutes each time, the Mayo Clinic recommends. If needed, you can repeat that treatment every two to three hours.
Heat
Heat can also help a pulled back muscle heal. After three days have passed since your pulled muscle occurred, you may benefit from applying heat to the area, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Among the possibilities for heat therapy that the Mayo Clinic suggests are a warm compress, heating pad or hot bath.
Medications
Medications, such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen, can help reduce both pain and swelling during the first few days after your injury, the University of Maryland Medical Center says. The non-prescription varieties of both ibuprofen and acetaminophen can work well, but be careful not to exceed the recommended dosages listed on the containers.
Surgery
The Mayo Clinic recommends visiting a doctor if you don't feel your back pain begin to subside within a few days. Severe cases of pulled back muscles may require surgery to repair. Keep in mind that back pain can be a symptom of other problems beyond a pulled muscle.
