Exercising can often lead to injuries. In fact, 1.71 billion experienced musculoskeletal conditions worldwide.
While this can be discouraging, knowing the factors that increase the risk of injury can help you prevent them from happening in the first place. One such injury is a lumbar sprain–but what exactly is it? What are the symptoms? And what is the treatment?
If you’d like to know more about the lumbar sprain and how to treat it, keep reading. We’ll cover everything you need to know.
Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms
A lumbar sprain is a musculoskeletal injury of a ligament or muscle in the lower back. Recognizing the signs and lumbar strain symptoms can help you begin proper treatment. This is to promote healing and decrease the likelihood of re-injury. Some of the most common signs and symptoms are pain and stiffness in one spot, sensitivity, swelling, and a limited range of motion.
The pain can range from mild to severe and may be aggravated by movement or prolonged standing. The pain may radiate into the lower extremities and may include symptoms of numbness and tingling.
Proper treatment is critical for safe and effective healing. Early detection and treatment are also key to minimizing the risk of long-term injury.
Treatments for Lumbar Sprains
Controlling pain and inflammation is typically the first step in treating lumbar strain and sprain. Other treatments may include physical therapy and hot or cold compresses. As well as rest, over-the-counter (OTC) medications, and Spinal Decompression Therapy.
Read on to learn more.
Physical Therapy
Through PT, the patient can improve their range of motion, flexibility, and strength of the affected area. Physical therapists also use different strategies to reduce inflammation and provide pain relief, such as heat and cold therapy, ultrasound, and manual manipulation.
Physical therapists can also give advice on posture and stretching routines to keep an injury from happening again.
Hot or Cold Compresses
Hot or cold compresses can be an effective way to alleviate symptoms and promote healing. Cold compresses decrease inflammation and pain, while hot compresses can increase blood flow and flexibility to the affected area.
Adequate Rest
Adequate rest is a key factor in treating a lumbar sprain. Limiting physical activity and getting plenty of rest help to reduce pain, swelling, and discomfort. Rest also allows the body to heal and recover. This makes it easier to do physical therapy exercises to strengthen the supporting muscles and ligaments.
Over-The-Counter Medications
Over-the-counter medications may be used to help reduce pain and inflammation caused by a lumbar sprain. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or naproxen are often the first line of treatment, usually taken every four to eight hours for several days. Acetaminophen can also be used for pain relief.
Spinal Decompression Therapy
Spinal decompression therapy is a form of stretching and manipulation of the lumbar spine to reduce pressure in the area to alleviate pain and other symptoms. During treatment, the patient will lie on a motorized traction table and wear a harness to lightly hold the trunk.
Heal Your Lumbar Sprain
Treating a lumbar sprain is essential for a full recovery and for restoring range of motion. It may be necessary to seek advice from a specialist if symptoms persist or worsen.
Taking steps to prevent further injury is key to preventing chronic problems in the future. Take proactive steps now to ensure a full recovery from a lumbar sprain.
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