Who can get a back strain?
![When the lower spine muscles become swollen and inflamed, this is known as a strain. The majority of back strain pain will go away without help in one to four weeks.](https://images.medicinenet.com/images/article/main_image/human-anatomy-back-inflammaton-spine-illustration-rendering.jpg?output-quality=75)
Does your back hurt? You are not alone. Most people at one time or another will suffer from a slight back problem. In the United States, back pain is one of the most common medical problems.
Back injuries often occur during sports, tasks at work, or home projects. When the lower spine muscles become swollen and inflamed, this is known as a strain. A strain can lead to muscle spasms and pain. Though less complicated than a fracture, the healing process depends on the cause and treatment.
Over a lifetime, more than eighty percent of people will have low back pain. It is seen more commonly among people ages 40 to 80, and in women. Over 100 billion dollars are spent each year in the United States because of low back pain — factoring in decreased wages and absence from work.
A few people are more likely to develop a back strain. Risk factors include a family history of back pain, long periods of sitting, lifting of heavy items, and diseases such as arthritis or osteoporosis.
What causes a back strain?
The lower back is a common place for a muscle strain because of its workload. It supports the weight of the upper body while twisting, bending, and moving. The strain happens when fibers in the muscle are irregularly torn or stretched. Sometimes ligaments are also torn from their attachments. Strains can result from an abrupt injury or muscle overuse over a period of time.
Small injuries may also come from falling or twisting of the spine. More serious injuries can come from trauma to the head, car accidents, or falls from heights. A stab wound or other direct injury to the back can also lead to strain and pain.
How long does it take for a strain to heal?
The majority of back strain pain will go away without help in one to four weeks. Of the cases that are seen in hospital emergency rooms, most can be dealt with conservatively. You must pay careful attention to easily seen warnings that can mean something more serious is going on.
If the pain lasts more than two weeks without at least easing up somewhat, you should seek medical attention. There may be a more serious injury to the muscles supporting the spine. These muscles include:
- Flexor muscles like the abdominal muscles
- Extensors like the gluteal muscles
- Obliques or side muscles
Overall, most acute occurrences of back pain resolve within twelve weeks, though about a third of patients could have long-term symptoms. Management of back strains depends on a lot of things, including:
- Type of symptoms
- Other medical conditions
- Specific cause
What are the symptoms of a strained back?
Symptoms of a strained back include:
- Stiffness in the lower back with range of motion reduction
- Muscle spasms at anytime
- Low back pain that can spread to the buttocks
- Stiffness and pain that prevents normal posture
- Pain that lasts for up to two weeks
Other conditions may mimic back strain symptoms. Infection in the lower back caused by osteomyelitis or an abscess can seem like back strain. Also, kidney conditions like kidney stones can cause back pain. Inflammation of the prostate in men — and pelvic inflammatory disease in women can also mimic strained back pain. You should visit your doctor if your symptoms do not resolve in a few weeks.
How is back strain diagnosed?
Unless pain has persisted for more than six weeks, diagnostic testing may not be needed. But if pain has persisted that long, it is important to rule out other things like a herniated disk. The following tests may be ordered by a doctor:
X-ray: Your doctor will look at the structure of your backbones and joints.
MRI: This 3D image is more specific than an x-ray. It can show the spinal cord, roots of the nerve, and soft tissue problems like enlargements or tumors.
Your doctor will also conduct a history and physical to see what exactly caused your strain.
How do you treat back strain?
Back pain will not get better by lying down. Inactivity can actually make the pain worse. It reduces muscle tone and flexibility and might increase the risk of a blood clot.
Over-the-counter hot or cold packs can help with pain, as can some anti-inflammatory medicines. Movement has been proven to normalize pain response with your nerves. Staying active is the best remedy. Your doctor may recommend certain exercises, but ultimately sprained back healing time is lessened if proper treatment is implemented early.
![](https://images.medicinenet.com//images/slideshow/least_effective_exercises_s1_man_after_workout.jpg)
SLIDESHOW
Pictures of the 7 Riskiest Workout Moves, and How to Improve Them See SlideshowHealth Solutions From Our Sponsors
American Association of Neurological Surgeons: "Low Back Strain and Sprain."
Harvard Health Publishing: "Babying your back may delay healing."
Sayed, Moustafa. StatPearls, "Mechanical Back Strain,” StatPearls Publishing, 2021.
University of Michigan Health. "Back Problems and Injuries."
Top How Long Does a Strained Back Take to Heal Related Articles
12 Ways to Relieve Back Pain
The 12 ways to relieve back pain include physical therapy, diet, mindfulness and meditation, stretching, lifestyle choices, injection treatments, acupuncture, hot and cold therapies, bed rest, chiropractic therapy, OTC medications, and yoga.Are Pregnancy Pillows Good for Back Pain?
A maternity or a pregnancy pillow is a specially designed body pillow to suit and support the changing curves of the body during pregnancy. This long pillow supports the entire body. And yes, they help reduce back pain of pregnancy to a large extent. Try a full-length pregnancy pillow. Sleep with this pillow on a bed keeping the arms wrapped around it.Back Pain: Common Spine Problems
That stack of little bones along the center of your back has a key role to support and control your body. What happens when something's not right with your spine?16 Back Pain Truths and Myths
Back pain conditions are very common. Learn the causes of upper and lower back pain. Find the truth and get the facts behind back pain myths, remedies, causes and treatment.Back Pain Quiz
There are numerous causes of chronic lower back pain and only one ailment gets more complaints. What is it? Quiz your knowledge of symptoms, treatments, problems, and reasons for common back pain.What are the Best Stretches for Back Pain Relief at Home?
Learn what stretches can help you deal with back pain and manage this condition at home.Low Back Pain: 11 Stretches & Exercises for Relief
One of the best low back pain treatments is exercise. Whether your pain is in the lower left or lower right back, learn more about low back pain exercises--what works, and what doesn't. Discover severe low back pain relief through various gentle workouts designed to protect and strengthen the lumbar, core, and other related back muscle groups.How Do I Know if My Upper Back Pain Is Serious?
If you have upper and middle back pain without any other symptoms, then probably you will be able to manage your symptoms at home. Your back pain may indicate a severe underlying medical condition if you have intense pain, numbness, tingling, fever, weight loss and other symptoms.How Long Does it Take for an Oblique Strain to Heal?
An oblique strain is a specific injury that affects your abdominal muscles. An oblique strain may heal within a few weeks to six weeks.Kidney Pain vs. Back Pain
The signs and symptoms of kidney pain and back pain depend upon the underlying cause. Doctors may use blood tests, X-rays, CT, and/or MRI to diagnose kidney pain and back pain. Treatment may include rest, ice, stretching, muscle strengthening, and pain-relieving medications.Lower Back Pain (Lumbar Spine Pain)
There are many causes of back pain. Pain in the low back can relate to the bony lumbar spine, discs between the vertebrae, ligaments around the spine and discs, spinal cord and nerves, muscles of the low back, internal organs of the pelvis, and abdomen, and the skin covering the lumbar area.Low Back Pain Relief
Do you suffer from low back pain? Learn more about common triggers of lower back pain like posture, exercise, and spondylosis. Find out about pain relief treatments like massage, yoga, stretching, exercises for back pain, and chiropractic medicine. See when surgery for back pain makes sense.Sprains and Strains
An injury to a ligament is called a sprain, and an injury to muscle or tendon is called a strain. Sprains and strains may be caused by repetitive movements or a single stressful incident. Symptoms and signs include pain and swelling. Though treatment depends upon the extent and location of the injury, rest, ice, compression, and elevation are key elements of treatment.What Can I Do To Relieve Upper Back Pain?
Learn what medical treatments can help ease your upper back pain symptoms and help you manage this condition.Which Exercises to Avoid With Lower Back Pain?
Doctors recommend strengthening exercises to help relieve low back pain, however, here are eight workouts to avoid potentially worsening your chronic pain.