What is a Sprain/Strain?
A sprain occurs when you apply excess stress on your back that can overstretch and damage ligaments. A back strain is an injury to either a muscle or tendon
What causes strains and sprains?
Our backs are amazing structures that cope with such a lot from our everyday life. Occasionally they don’t cope, this could be because they have been overused, put under extra stress or used poorly. If your work involves a lot of lifting, bending and/or twisting you will have an increased risk of experiencing back pain. Individuals who rarely exercise may also be prone to strains and sprains, especially if they are doing an unaccustomed activity.
What are the symptoms of sprains and strains?
Pains across the lower back, sometimes confined to one side or the other, trouble bending or standing up completely straight are all symptoms. In addition, muscle spasms may occur whilst sleeping or simply moving around, sometimes resulting in a hard painful “knot”.
How can I relieve the pain?
Most strains and sprains will heal on their own within 6 weeks. Keeping active, within limits, will help with recovery. If your job involves heavy lifting/exertion then you may have to limit this activity to give your back time to heal. Prolonged inactivity, particularly staying in bed can delay recovery.
We will often advise you to use a combination of cold and heat to help ease the pain. Starting with a cold pack, which could simply be ice wrapped in a cloth, applied to the source of the pain for 15-20minutes several times a day. Once the pain starts to fade then apply heat (e.g. a hot water bottle wrapped in a cloth) for 15-20minutes – this can help to loosen up the muscles and improve blood flow to the affected area.
What treatments are available for back strains and sprains?
We offer a wide range of treatments including osteopathy, physiotherapy, massage and acupuncture. As well as IDD and Shockwave. A treatment plan will be developed that could include a combination of these to get the best results in the least amount of time possible.
