$Unique_ID{BRK02373}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{What Happens When You Strain Your Back?}
$Subject{lower back muscle spasm fibers tighten muscles physiotherapy muscular
relaxant musculoskeletal system low spasms tight tightening relaxants strain
strains
}
$Volume{M-18}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1992,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


What Happens When You Strain Your Back?


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QUESTION:  While moving some furniture around, I bent over to lift a leg of a
couch over the edge of the rug, when I felt an intense, stabbing pain in my
lower back.  I could hardly straighten up.  Can you tell me what happened and
what the correct treatment should be in such cases?

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ANSWER:  I don't know any active person who hasn't had a similar experience at
one time or another.  You are the victim of an acute low back muscle spasm,
when all of the muscle fibers tighten abruptly and violently.  If all the
fibers in the muscle contract at the same time, the blood supply to the
muscles may be partially stopped, and the result is the intense pain you
experienced.  And this impaired circulation can provoke even more intense
contractions and pain.
     When this happens, you should take the pressure off the muscles in this
area.  Lie on your back on a firm surface or floor, with pillows supporting
your knees and another under your neck.  First aid consists of applying cold
compresses or ice packs to the affected area.  Cold can numb the pain and
reduce the inflammation and swelling that usually follows this type of injury.
Effective over-the-counter medications which can help include aspirin and
ibuprofen.  This will get you over the acute phase.  After 24 hours, heat
applications are also helpful, but if the pain and intense stiffness hasn't
let up after 48 hours, you had best check with your family physician.  It is
probable you will need some professional attention, which can include
physiotherapy or prescription muscular relaxant medication.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.