Dealing with Lumbar Sprain/Strain: Causes, Relief, and How to Recover

How Do You Know If You Have a Lumbar Sprain/Strain?

The main symptom of a lumbar sprain/strain is back pain. But the severity can vary, and other common signs include:

• Pain in the lower back: Usually worsens with movement, bending, or lifting.
• Stiffness: You may feel tightness, especially after sitting or standing for long periods.
• Limited movement: Bending, twisting, or lifting can be difficult.
• Radiating pain: In some cases, pain may travel to your buttocks or thighs, but rarely to your feet.
• Muscle spasms: Your muscles may feel tight or cramp up in response to the injury.

While these symptoms are unpleasant, the good news is that with the right treatment, you can reduce pain and heal quickly.

How to Treat Lumbar Sprain/Strain and Feel Better

While lumbar sprain/strain injuries can be uncomfortable, the good news is that most people recover with simple, at-home treatments. Here’s what you can do to get back on track:

1. Rest and Modify Activities

Rest is essential in the early stages, but it’s important not to stay completely inactive. Gentle movement and stretching can actually help prevent stiffness and speed up healing. Avoid activities that worsen the pain, such as lifting or twisting, but try to stay active with light walking and stretching when possible.

2. Pain Relief That Works

Pain relief is key to feeling better. Here’s how you can manage discomfort:

• Ice: Apply ice to the lower back for the first 48 hours after the injury to reduce swelling.
• Heat: After the first few days, use heat to relax tight muscles and improve blood flow.
• Over-the-counter medications: NSAIDs (like ibuprofen) can help reduce inflammation and pain.

Taking action early can make a huge difference in how quickly you recover.

3. Physical Therapy to Strengthen and Heal

Once the pain begins to improve, physical therapy is crucial to restore strength and flexibility to your lower back. Your therapist will guide you through exercises that:

• Strengthen your core muscles to support the spine.
• Improve flexibility to prevent stiffness.
• Correct posture and movement patterns to avoid future strain.

Physical therapy can help you regain full mobility and reduce the risk of reinjury.

4. Spinal Manipulation for Quick Relief

Spinal manipulation by a chiropractor can also help with pain relief and improved movement. This treatment is effective for restoring alignment in the spine, especially in the acute phase of pain.

5. Support Your Back with a Lumbar Brace (When Needed)

For some, wearing a lumbar support brace for a short period may help relieve strain on the lower back. It’s useful for providing support while you’re healing, but should not be worn for long periods to avoid muscle weakness

How Long Does It Take to Recover?

The recovery time for lumbar sprain/strain depends on the severity of the injury. Most people start to feel better within a few weeks with rest and conservative treatments. However, more severe injuries may take longer to heal. If your symptoms don’t improve or if you experience any of the following, it’s a good idea to reach out for additional care:

• Numbness, tingling, or weakness in your legs.
• Pain that doesn’t improve after several weeks of treatment.
• Difficulty performing everyday activities due to pain.

Preventing Future Injuries

Once you’ve recovered, you can help prevent future lumbar sprains or strains by:

• Strengthening your core muscles: These muscles provide support for your lower back, reducing strain.
• Maintaining proper posture: Sitting, standing, and lifting with good posture helps protect your back.
• Taking regular breaks: Stand, walk, and stretch if you sit for long periods.
• Lifting correctly: Use your legs, not your back, to lift heavy objects.

How Cole Pain Therapy Group Can Help You Recover

At Cole Pain Therapy Group, we understand the challenges of living with back pain and the impact it can have on your life. Our expert team is here to guide you through your recovery with personalized care designed to reduce pain, restore mobility, and prevent future injuries. We offer spinal manipulation, physical therapy, and pain management techniques tailored to your needs.

If you’re struggling with lumbar sprain/strain, we’re here to help you recover and get back to your daily life without pain.

Contact us today to learn more about how we can assist you in your recovery journey.