In-depth information on how to avoid and treat low back pain from muscle strain with proper exercise, massage therapy, heat therapy and back pain medications
Ahh... ice massage
for pain relief
April 12, 2000 (updated April
24, 2006)
Most episodes of back pain are caused by muscle strain. When injured, the large
muscles in the low back can become inflamed and spasm, causing low back pain
and significant stiffness. Ice massage therapy can provide pain relief by slowing
the inflammation and swelling that occurs after back injury and muscle strain,
helping to slow the nerve impulses in the affected area. Read
more...
By: Stephen H. Hochschuler, MD
First steps in caring for
low back pain
October 1999 (Updated July 19,
2004)
This article provides a useful overview for self-care at the onset of back pain
resulting from muscle strain and other back problems. Since most episodes
of low back pain are self-limited, it is often advisable for patients to try
self-care early in the course of low back pain. Read
more...
By: Peter F. Ullrich, Jr., MD
Avoid
back injury with the right lifting techniques
May 14, 2003
Although many people believe they
know how to lift objects safely, lifting with the wrong
technique and poor posture can cause muscle injury and
muscle strain, disc injury, and joint injury. These
three easy rules for safe lifting will help patients
prevent back problems and low back pain.Read
more...
By: Ron S. Miller, PT
Benefits
of heat therapy for lower back pain
March 20, 2003
Many episodes of lower back pain result from a muscle strain or over-exertion,
creating tension in the muscles and soft tissues around the spine. The muscle
spasm that results from the back injury can create sensations that range from
mild discomfort to inability to move and excruciating pain. Heat therapy can
help relieve both pain from the muscle spasm and related stiffness in the lower
back. Read
more...
By: Vert Mooney, MD
Massage
therapy for back pain
May 10, 2002
The use of massage therapy for back pain and muscle strain has more than doubled
in recent years. In addition to its positive affects on muscle relaxation, one
of the greatest benefits of massage therapy is the release of endorphins, which
can be quite helpful in managing chronic back pain. Read
more...
By: Beth Mueller, RMT
Acute
lower back pain caused by muscle strain
October 1999 (Updated January 3, 2002)
The majority
of episodes of acute lower back pain are caused by muscle
strain. When the muscles in the back are strained or
torn, inflammation in the back muscles can spasm and
cause both severe lower back pain and difficulty moving. Read
more...
By: Peter F. Ullrich, MD
Lower
back pain symptoms and treatment options
October 1999 (Updated January 3, 2002)
The causes of back pain can be very complex, and there are many structures in
the lower back that can cause pain, including strained muscles. This article
reviews common causes of lower back pain and treatment options. Read
more...
By: Peter F. Ullrich, Jr., MD
Back
muscles and low back pain
September 8, 1999 (Updated July 10, 2001)
The soft tissues around the spine play a key role in low back pain. The large
paired muscles in the low back (erector spinae) help hold up the spine. With
inflammation the back muscles can spasm and cause low back pain and marked
limitation in motion. Read
more...
By: Peter F. Ullrich, Jr., MD
Rehabilitation
and exercise for a healthy back
June 25, 2001
People who suffer from lower back pain are often encouraged to participate in
their own recovery, but they are seldom given the knowledge and tools needed
to accomplish this. This article provides a basic understanding of the reasons
for lower back pain and gives you tips on exercises and successful recovery. Read
more...
By: Vert Mooney, MD
Exercise
for back pain
October 1999
Almost everyone can benefit from stretching the soft tissues - the muscles, ligaments
and tendons - around the spine. The spinal column and its contiguous muscles,
ligaments and tendons are all designed to move, and limitations in this motion
can accentuate pain, such as that from muscle strain. Read
more...
By: Peter F. Ullrich, Jr., MD
Upper back
problems: doctor answers patient questions
March 20, 2006
The upper back and ribs form a strong ‘cage’ around the vital organs
of the heart and lungs. Since the upper back is not designed for motion, upper
back problems are less prevalent but can be extremely painful. In this section
of Back Talk, a physiatrist responds to frequent patient questions about upper
back problems. Read more...
Back-to-Back: Using back exercise for back pain relief
Read other patients’ helpful advice about using gentle back exercises (such as walking, an exercise bike, water therapy, physical therapy and yoga) for back pain relief, muscle strain or recovery from back surgery. Then, submit your own response! Read more...
Back Pain Radio transcript: Workplace ergonomics and office chairs
Workplace ergonomics are vital for a healthy back and for reducing back pain while sitting in office chairs. Read what John Triano, PhD, a Medical Advisor for Spine-health.com, and Grant Cooper, M.D., host of Back Pain Radio, had to say about lifting heavy objects and adjusting an office chair and workspace on the March 28, 2005 show. Read transcript…
Take control of your back pain – Spine-health.com Newsletter
In addition to finding the right type of spine specialist(s) to diagnose and treat the cause of your pain, there are lots of things you can do on your own to help manage pain. This newsletter profiles some lesser known pain management strategies that have proven beneficial for many back pain sufferers include sleeping on a high-quality mattress and pillow, exercising, and weight loss (where appropriate). Read more…
First aid for your back - Spine-health.com Newsletter
Even if the pain is severe, episodes of back pain - and pain from ongoing back conditions - can be somewhat relieved with some first aid methods you can do at home. Some combination of the following treatments (for example, heat therapy, ice therapy, gentle stretching and exercise) is usually recommended to help alleviate or at least manage the back pain from muscle strain and other problems. Read more…
Make your back comfortable - Spine-health.com Newsletter
Make your back comfortable and reduce muscle strain with these tips on maintaining good posture and ergonomics while sitting in an office chair, driving and sleeping. This newsletter also gives ideas for back support products to help prevent muscle strain, such as ergonomic office chairs and for choosing a good mattress and pillow for back support. Read more…
Please note that these additional patient resources (such as The Back-to-Back Forum and Newsletters) on Spine-health.com are not peer-reviewed by the Spine-health.com Medical Advisory Board. They are provided as additional resources for patients to learn from the experiences of others and to gain information from our popular newsletters.
