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A sprain refers to the tearing of the tissues around an injured joint, which leads to pain, swelling and discolouration of the skin. The lower back muscles can be strained due to bending or overexerting beyond the normal range of activity, unexpected twisting or jerking movements, lifting heavy objects, accidents or even wearing high heels or an improper posture. Back sprains involve the ligaments around the spinal joints and usually take longer to heal because the ligaments cannot re-grow unlike muscles. So while sprained muscles elsewhere heal quickly by growing new muscle fibres, in the back the process is slower, taking a few weeks to a couple of months to heal completely.
To treat back sprains, it is crucial not to exert one-self and to spend as much time as possible lying down and resting. Place a pillow below your knees in order to reduce the pressure on the back. Applying a heat compress for 15 to 20 minutes in a day helps to relieve the muscle spasms. However do not be completely bed-ridden; carry on with your normal activity, taking care not to carry heavy objects, bend too much or over-exert your self. You can also get physiotherapy, acupuncture treatments and chiropractic treatments to relieve the pain and make your back muscles stronger. While these treatments are very beneficial in reducing the muscles spasms and inflammation, it is important not to over-do in the enthusiasm of speeding the recovery process. Once the pain is completely gone, you can also consult a specialist and start a gentle exercise routine to strengthen your back muscles.
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