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If you have suffered a direct blow to a muscle in your back, especially one near to a bone, it must be treated as a contusion. Contusion symptoms include:
- A sudden excruciating pain in the back.
- Difficulty moving.
- Possible swelling or bruising around the ruptured area.
There are three different grades of severity when it comes to muscle strain injuries in the back:
Grade one strains
Symptoms
- Tightness in the back
- Difficulty in walking
- Little swelling
What can be done?
- Heat up the affected area with a hot water bottle or a heat retainer
- You don’t have to stop training (unless it get worse), but take it easy during for a week or two
- Joint manipulation techniques
- Follow a rehabilitation and strengthening programme drawn up by a specialist
Grade two strains
Symptoms
- You can’t walk properly
- Sudden twinges of pain during daily activities
- Swelling may become apparent
- If you press the affected area, it will hurts
What can be done?
- Lots of rest
- Follow a rehab plan involving mobility, stretching and strengthening exercises drawn up by a specialist
Grade three strains
Symptoms
- You can’t walk properly
- Severe pain
- Bad swelling will appear immediately
- Static contractions may be painful and could produce a bulge in the muscle
- You will be out of action for three to twelve weeks
What can be done?
Note: In all three grades the following can help:
- Consult a sports injury specialist immediately
- Sports massage is very important and effective can speed up recovery and is very important
- Ultrasound and electrical stimulation
- Follow a rehabilitation programme prescribed by a specialist
Other related articles:
Painkillers (Paracetamol)
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
COX-2 specific inhibitors
Different Steroids
Cortisone injections
