How do I know if I tore my lower back muscle?
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How do I know if I tore my lower back muscle?
Some early symptoms of a pulled back muscle may include2:
- Local swelling.
- Muscle spasms.
- Tenderness when touched.
- Cramping.
- Intense or dull pain.
- Pain with specific movements.
- Tightness or stiffness in the muscles.
- Pain relief in resting positions.
What does a torn back muscle feel like?
Symptoms of a Pulled Back Muscle If you have pulled a muscle in your back, you will probably feel it as a sudden sharp pain when you lift, bend, or twist. The pain can range from mildly irritating to intense and debilitating depending on how badly the muscle is strained.
How do you treat a torn lower back muscle?
Treatment may include:
- Rest.
- Ice packs and/or heat and compression applied to the back.
- Exercises (to strengthen the abdominal muscles)
- Stretching and strengthening exercises (for the lower back as it heals)
- Education regarding the use and wearing of appropriate protective equipment.
How long does a lower back muscle tear take to heal?
Most people with back strains and sprains have a full recovery with treatment within 2 weeks.
How painful is a torn back muscle?
Muscle strains are often quite painful. Many people describe the pain from tearing a muscle as a stabbing pain. Depending on which muscle you strained, your pain might be exacerbated in certain positions, such as bending over, sitting, or standing.
Does MRI show muscle damage in back?
An MRI scan of your back will show images of wear and tear on the spine and other bones of your back, along with muscles, ligaments, and other soft tissues in the area. However, it is normal to see signs of damage to structures and tissues of the back, particularly among older adults.
How do you check for a torn muscle?
An MRI is the best type of imaging for looking at tissue. Your physician may order an MRI on the damaged muscle to find or learn more about your injury. This type of muscle tear imaging can pinpoint the location of even the smallest muscle strains and determine whether a partial or complete strain has occurred.
How can you tell if you have torn a muscle?
Signs and symptoms will vary, depending on the severity of the injury, and may include:
- Pain or tenderness.
- Redness or bruising.
- Limited motion.
- Muscle spasms.
- Swelling.
- Muscle weakness.
Does an MRI show muscle tears?
Both MRI and ultrasound will detect large muscle injuries and tears. Ultrasound is best used for discovering and diagnosing muscle micro-tears and chronic conditions.
Will an xray show a muscle tear?
An X-ray may be necessary to be sure you don’t have a broken bone, but it won’t show a muscle injury. An MRI is the best type of imaging for looking at tissue. Your physician may order an MRI on the damaged muscle to find or learn more about your injury.
