Strains and sprains of the back are common musculoskeletal injuries. According to experts, up to 80% of people will experience back pain at some point in their lives. Individuals who have a cervical, lumbar, or thoracic strain or sprain should seek medical assistance as soon as possible. An experienced physician can diagnose the injury as well as provide advice about ways to ease the pain and reduce the inflammation. Seeking medical assistance right away increases the likelihood of a timely recovery.
How Do Back Strains and Sprains Differ?
Although the lower back is more likely to sustain a strain or sprain, every level of the spine is at risk. It is possible to have both of these injuries at the same time.
A Back Strain
A back strain occurs due to small tears in the muscle tissue or the overstretching of a tendon. These tears weaken the muscles, and an overstretched tendon causes the spinal column to become less stable. Muscle spasms, inflammation, and pain following a strain are likely.
A Back Sprain
There are different types of back sprains. A back sprain can occur due to the overstretching or tearing of a ligament.
Ligaments create joints by connecting the bones to one another. When a ligament is torn from its connection point, the spinal instability this injury causes can affect other areas of the back.
Where Is the Thoracic Spine?
The thoracic spine (i.e., the mid-back) consists of 12 vertebrae. The first thoracic vertebra is located directly beneath C7, which is the last vertebra of the cervical spine. The final thoracic vertebra sits directly above L1, which is the first vertebra in the lower back.
A Mid-Back Strain or Sprain
If an individual sustains a muscle strain in their mid-back, the tendons that attach the muscles to the chest wall, thoracic spine, and ribs become unstable. These tendons and muscles are responsible for keeping the spine steady while still allowing it to move.
A mid-back sprain results from the ligaments in the thoracic area of the spine becoming detached. This type of injury can cause painful muscle spasms and spinal instability.
The Lumbar Region of the Spine
Since the lumbar region (i.e., lower back) of the spine carries the most weight, especially while twisting, lifting, and bending, individuals frequently experience pain at this level of the spine.
What Are the Symptoms of a Low Back Sprain or Strain?
The symptoms of a back sprain closely resemble those experienced with a strain.
The signs and symptoms an individual with a back sprain or strain may experience are:
- A loss of strength in the back muscles.
- Pain affecting one side of the back that increases with movement.
- Inflammation or muscle spasms in the back. These spasms typically lead to pain.
- Pain that affects both sides of the back. This pain usually gets worse while moving around.
- The presence of a crackling sound when the affected muscles are touched.
The pelvis, hip, buttock, and hamstring muscles help support the lumbar region of the spine. Therefore, if any of these muscles sustain an injury, tightness and pain may be present across the lower back, hips, and buttocks.
The Progression of a Lower Back Strain
The first few hours following the injury are the most intense, and certain positions or movements can increase the pain.
Movements that may increase pain include:
- Bending forward.
- Standing up.
- Leaning back.
For a week or two, moderate pain and stiffness are present. Pain may increase when making any movements that jar the spine. In addition, holding certain positions can cause the pain to intensify (e.g., standing upright for an extended period of time).
When compared to many of the other types of back injuries, a strain is typically easy to diagnose and treat. The signs and symptoms usually resolve within four to six weeks. However, if the injury includes a torn muscle, recovery can take several months.
Seeking Treatment
Seeking treatment from an experienced physician following an injury is vital to ensuring the best recovery possible.
Signs that indicate a back injury is progressing:
- Two to four weeks into recovery, the pain level increases.
- There is a loss of bladder or bowel function.
- New, unexplained signs or symptoms develop.
If any of these signs develop, it is vital that you seek medical assistance right away.
How Does a Doctor Diagnose a Back Sprain or Strain?
Soft tissue injuries such as these receive the same treatment. Since back strains and sprains are unable to be diagnosed with radiological testing, the doctor typically refrains from ordering diagnostic imaging tests. Nonetheless, if a patient’s symptoms continue longer than expected or become worse, diagnostic imaging may be necessary to determine if the patient has a pinched nerve or some type of disc problem.
Potential Treatments for a Strain or Sprain
The treatments for sprains and strains are similar. Individuals with these kinds of injuries need to rest the area, and use ice packs to reduce swelling. Additionally, over-the-counter medications can reduce inflammation and ease pain. The use of back support or compression bandages may also be helpful.
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Dealing with Chronic Pain 