Back Strain

Back Muscle Sprains and Strains
Muscle sprains and strains are a frequent source of back pain and the most common is a lower back muscle strain that causes pain in the lower back. Differentiating between a strain and a sprain can be difficult as both injuries show similar symptoms. A strain is the stretching or tearing of ligaments (the tissue that connects one bone to another) whereas a strain is a stretching or tearing of a muscle.

What causes Back Muscle Sprains and Strains?
Strains and sprains can be the result of strenuous activity like lifting a heavy object in an incorrect manner by bending the back rather than the knees, sharp sudden twisting movements, or even due to standing for long periods of time.

The spine is held upright by muscles and ligaments and the over-stretching or tearing of these muscles can occur if the muscle suddenly contracts or is stretched too far. When a back strain or sprain occurs, there is inflammation of the soft tissue that causes pain and possibly back spasms. Back strains and sprains can also be caused by poor posture, poor muscle tone in the back and abdomen, emotional stress or excessive weight or pregnancy.

What are the Symptoms of back muscle sprains and strains?
People with a muscle sprain or strain frequently feel a tear or even a pop as the injury takes place but not always. The main symptom is pain that can appear either side of the back or in the upper buttocks and can get worse with muscle spasms as they occur. This type of pain does not go down into the legs.