A back sprain/strain most often occurs because of a sudden movement or jolt to the back which causes stress on the muscles, tendons or ligaments on the back. This stress can result in the stretching or tearing causing stretching or tearing of the muscles, tendons and or ligaments of the in the back. Most often a strain or sprain of the back occurs in the low back area. Because the muscles are large in this area of the back, when a strain or sprain occurs, you can experience severe low back pain.
It is not uncommon, however, that a sprain or strain maybe diagnosed when in reality, an injury to the disk has occurred. When a sprain or strain has occurred, the erector spinae muscles which are the large muscles in the lower part of the back, will tens up and cramp causing spasms. The spasming causes exerts tremendous force on the lumbar spine which can cause severe low back pain.
With a strain/sprain you can experience back pain across the broad of your low back or it can be on either side of the spine. You may experience spasms with or without any type of activity. Most often pain will worsen with activity.
When a sprain/strain occurs in the low back, you will not feel weakness or tingling in the legs or buttocks. In addition, while the pain associated with a sprain or strain maybe severe, it will not cause marked restriction and limitation in your range of motion. These types of symptoms are most associated with bulging and herniated disks.
A sprain/strain, with rest, usually will resolve itself within in a matter of days. However, a herniated or bulging disk usually requires medical intervention.
If you were diagnosed with a sprain/strain but you are experiencing the above mentioned symptoms, you should contact your physician immediately. An MRI maybe necessary to properly diagnose your symptoms.
The attorneys at Donald W. Fohrman & Associates, Ltd., have represented scores of back injury accident victims and are knowledgeable about back injuries and the treatments available for these types of injuries.
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