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How to Treat a Ruptured Back Muscle

Author: wikibase 20-05-2011, 02:10 Fitness » Back Exercises

How to Treat a Ruptured Back Muscle

The muscles of the back are composed of strong compact fibers that are made to keep the body erect when moving. But even if they are that strong, they still aren't invulnerable to injury. Back muscle strain or rupture occurs when the muscle is stretched beyond its normal limits and when it over contracts from a sudden movement such as lifting. The erector spinae muscles are the ones that do most of the work; and are located in the lower back, so that explains why most of the pain is localized in this area. Overuse and poor posture places unnecessary load on back muscles, which will then make them spastic. And soon enough these muscles will go weaker to the point where they could not function properly anymore--making it difficult for an individual to move. A ruptured back muscle is graded according to how bad the stretch or tear is. Below are the different grades along with its corresponding treatments.

Instructions

Grade I is a mild strain and only few of the muscle fibers are over stretched or torn. Pain is present along with tightness and possible swelling; but the strength of the affected muscle is still normal. Take some pain medication, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil)

Rest your back to relieve it from stress.

Apply ice on your back for 15 to 20 minutes every 4 hours for 2 to 3 days. This method helps in reducing pain and swelling. Make sure to put a towel on the area before applying ice to prevent ice burn.

Application of heat is beneficial on the area within 4 to 5 days after swelling has subsided. Place a towel on your back and put the heating pad over it for 15 to 20 minutes. Heat application increases blood flow and also enhances relaxation of spastic muscles.

Try massage therapy. This will help soothe the pain on your back.

Schedule a physical therapy session. Physical rehabilitation program may include application of modalities such as electrical stimulation, therapeutic ultrasound, water therapy and paraffin wax treatment to ease the pain.

Do some mild aerobic exercises like riding a stationary bike, walking around the house for a few times or swimming to help relieve pain and promote faster healing.

Tips & Warnings

Observe proper posture so as not to place more stress on your back muscle.
Watch your timing and body mechanics when lifting heavy loads.
Maintain an ideal body weight to reduce unnecessary pressure on your back muscles.
Warm up to make your back muscles flexible before doing any type of exercise.
Seek immediate medical help if the following are present: if symptoms persist 2 to 3 weeks even after medications and rehabilitation, if there is numbness or loss of sensation on the area, if pain is accompanied with fever or chills or if there is bowel and bladder dysfunction.

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