Summary
Back strains and back sprains are injuries to the muscles, tendons, or ligaments in the back. They are common injuries that can be caused by overuse, improper lifting, or sudden, awkward movements. Symptoms may include muscle spasms, pain, stiffness, and difficulty moving or standing upright. Treatment for a back strain or sprain typically involves rest, ice or heat therapy, and over-the-counter pain medications to help manage pain and inflammation. In some cases, physical therapy or other treatments may be recommended to help stretch and strengthen the muscles in the back and improve flexibility and mobility.
What is the Difference Between a Back Strain and a Back Sprain?
Although these two conditions are similar, they are distinguished by the tissue that is injured.
A back strain is an injury to the muscles or tendons on your back. Tendons are bands of fibrous tissue that connect muscles to bones, allowing you to move your joints and perform various activities.
A back sprain, on the other hand, is an injury to the ligaments of the back. Ligaments are bands of fibrous tissue that connect bones to other bones, providing stability and support to the joints.
Causes
Back strains and back sprains can be caused by overstretching or tearing of the muscles, tendons, or ligaments due to sudden, awkward movements or impact.
Here are some common causes of back strains/sprains:
- Twisting or bending awkwardly: Twisting or bending the back in an unnatural way can place excessive stress on the muscles, tendons, ligaments and lead to a back strain or sprain.
- Lifting heavy objects improperly: Lifting heavy objects using poor technique or lifting with the back instead of the legs can lead to a back strain or sprain.
- Repetitive motions: Repeating the same movements over and over again, such as lifting or bending, can lead to a back strain or sprain.
- Impact: A fall or other impact can cause the tendons or ligaments in the back to stretch or tear.
- Poor posture: Maintaining poor posture for extended periods of time can put excess strain on the muscles, tendons or ligaments in the back.
Symptoms
Back strains and sprains are common injuries that can cause pain, stiffness, and difficulty moving or standing upright. The symptoms of a back strain or sprain may vary depending on the severity of the injury, but common symptoms include:
- Pain: Back strains and sprains can cause pain in the affected area, which may be described as a dull ache or a sharp, shooting pain. The pain may be worse with movement or activity.
- Stiffness: The back may feel stiff or inflexible, making it difficult to move or stand upright.
- Muscle spasms: Strains or sprains in the back can cause muscle spasms, which are involuntary contractions of the muscles.
- Swelling: Swelling may occur in the affected area, which may feel tender or painful to the touch.
- Difficulty moving: Back strains and sprains can make it difficult to move or perform everyday activities, such as standing up, walking, or lifting objects.
If you are experiencing back pain or other symptoms that may be related to a back strain or sprain, it is important to speak with a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Diagnosis
Back strains and sprains are commonly diagnosed based on a physical examination and medical history. In some cases, a healthcare provider may order imaging studies to rule out other conditions such as fracture or herniated disc.
History and Physical Examination
To diagnose a back strain or sprain, the healthcare provider will typically ask about your symptoms and medical history and perform a physical examination of your back.
During the physical examination, the healthcare provider will likely:
- Assess your range of motion: The provider will ask you to move your back in various ways to assess your flexibility and mobility.
- Check for tenderness: The provider will touch different areas of your back to check for tenderness or pain.
- Look for swelling: The provider will look for swelling or other signs of inflammation in the affected area.
- Check for muscle spasms: The provider may check for muscle spasms or other signs of muscle tension.
Imaging
In some cases, the healthcare provider may also order imaging tests, such as an X-ray or MRI, to get a more detailed view of the tissues and structures in the back. These tests can help to rule out other conditions, such as a fracture or herniated disc, and confirm the diagnosis of a back strain or sprain.
If you are experiencing back pain or other symptoms that may be related to a back strain or sprain, it is important to speak with a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Treatment
Treatment for a back strain or sprain typically involves a combination of rest, ice or heat therapy, and over-the-counter pain medications to help manage pain and inflammation. In some cases, physical therapy or other treatments may be recommended to help stretch and strengthen the muscles in the back and improve flexibility and mobility.
Here are some specific treatment options that may be used to manage a back strain or sprain:
- Rest: Resting the affected area can help to reduce inflammation and allow the body to begin the healing process.
- Ice or heat therapy: Ice or heat therapy can help to reduce inflammation and pain in the affected area. Ice should be applied for the first 24-48 hours following an injury, followed by heat to help improve circulation and speed up the healing process.
- Medications: Over-the-counter pain medications, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help to manage pain and inflammation.
- Physical therapy: Physical therapy can help to stretch and strengthen the muscles in the back and improve flexibility and mobility. Physical therapy may include exercises, stretches, and other techniques to help manage pain and improve function.
The most appropriate treatment for a back strain or sprain will depend on the severity of the injury and the specific symptoms being experienced. It is important to speak with a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Sources
Casazza, Brian A. “Diagnosis and treatment of acute low back pain.” American family physician vol. 85,4 (2012): 343-50.
Koes, B W et al. “Diagnosis and treatment of low back pain.” BMJ (Clinical research ed.) vol. 332,7555 (2006): 1430-4. doi:10.1136/bmj.332.7555.1430
El Sayed M, Callahan AL. “Mechanical Back Strain.” [Updated 2022 Aug 12]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK542314/
