Muscular back pain is an extremely common condition. Up to 85% of US adults suffer from moderate to severe muscular back pain at some time in their lives. Many of these conditions are misunderstood because diagnosis of soft tissue pathologies is not a very accurate science.
Back muscle strain is a condition in which one or more muscles in the back – the actual muscle fibers – are overstretched or torn, leading to tissue damage, inflammation and pain. These injuries are commonly referred to as “pulled back muscles”. If these muscle tears are small, they usually don’t cause any problems and may even contribute to building stronger muscle. But if the muscle tears are large, they can cause severe, even debilitating muscular back pain.
A back muscle sprain happens when tendons or fasciae in the back are overstretched or torn. Tendons and fasciae are both tough fibrous connective tissues. Tendons connect muscles to bone, while fasciae connect muscles to each other. In a muscle sprain, either tendons or fasciae or both are damaged, causing local inflammation and pain.
Treatment of muscular back pain is based on the location and seriousness of the injury. It is always advisable to visit your physician or physiotherapist first so they can properly assess the extent of the damage and give you a professional opinion. This will allow you to find out what is really causing your pain and whether you can continue your daily activities and exercise routine without causing further damage to your back. You should also find out if you are suffering from a serious medical problem, such as a slipped or herniated spinal disc.
If you have a sedentary office job that involves working at a computer or driving long distances, you’re likely to spend many hours sitting in the same, hunched-over posture. This abnormal position places a tremendous strain on your back and can lead to neck and lower muscular back pain. Use of suitable neck and back supports can ensure that your back is properly aligned and neutral. The Freedom Back is an excellent back seat cushion that offers support and allows you to sit with proper posture.
Also – don’t forget to stretch regularly and take small breaks. Get out of your car seat or work chair to stretch and get your blood flowing again!
Core stabilization exercises can strengthen your core muscles and help them support your spine better, decreasing the likelihood and duration of future episodes of muscular back pain.
Spinal decompression is also a proven and effective way to counter back pain. It relieves the pressure placed by vertebrae on your spinal discs and allows them to expand to their normal size, properly cushioning your spine again. It also allows your muscles to stretch naturally and relax and improves blood flow, helping to carry away the waste products of inflammation.
