Introduction:
Low back pain caused by muscle strain and sprain can be a significant hurdle in your daily life. At Rise Acupuncture & Wellness Clinic, we specialize in providing targeted treatments to address the root causes of low back pain and facilitate your recovery. In this blog post, we will discuss the most common causes of low back pain resulting from muscle strain and sprain, offer practical home remedies for relief, and introduce the natural, effective, and evidence-based in-clinic treatments available at our facility to help you find lasting relief and return to a pain-free life.
Causes of Low Back Pain from Muscle Strain and Sprain:
Low back pain resulting from muscle strain and sprain can stem from various factors. Understanding these causes is essential in preventing future episodes and facilitating proper treatment. Here are some common triggers:
Overexertion and Lifting: Engaging in activities that involve excessive bending, lifting heavy objects, or sudden exertion can strain the muscles in your lower back, leading to pain and discomfort.
Poor Posture and Body Mechanics: Maintaining improper posture while sitting or standing for extended periods, as well as using incorrect body mechanics during physical tasks, can strain the muscles in your back and contribute to low back pain.
Repetitive Movements: Repeating certain movements or activities that involve the lower back, such as twisting, bending, or lifting, without proper rest or support can result in muscle strain and subsequent pain.
Home Remedies for Low Back Pain Relief:
While seeking professional treatment is crucial, there are several home remedies you can try to alleviate low back pain caused by muscle strain and sprain. Incorporate these self-care techniques into your routine:
Rest and Limited Activity: Give your back muscles time to heal by avoiding strenuous activities and providing adequate rest. However, it is important to engage in gentle movement and avoid prolonged inactivity to prevent muscle stiffness.
Cold and Heat Therapy: Apply an ice pack or cold compress to the affected area for the first 48 to 72 hours to reduce inflammation. Afterward, switch to heat therapy with a heating pad or warm compress to promote blood flow and relax the muscles.
Gentle Stretching and Strengthening Exercises: Engage in gentle stretching exercises that target the lower back to improve mobility and alleviate pain. Strengthening exercises for the core muscles can provide support to the back and prevent future injuries. Determining which muscles to stretch and which muscles to strengthen according to your particular condition is crucial. It is best to seek professional guidance before employing therapeutic exercises at home.
Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which are available over the counter, can temporarily relieve pain and reduce inflammation. Follow the recommended dosage and consult your healthcare provider if needed. However, because these drugs have many unwanted short-term side-effects, such as drowsiness and indigestion, and long-term side-effects, such as stomach ulcers and kidney disease, we suggest a more natural solution to your muscle strain- or sprain-induced low back pain.
In-Clinic Treatments for Low Back Pain:
At Rise Acupuncture & Wellness Clinic, we offer effective in-clinic treatments to address low back pain resulting from muscle strain and sprain:
Acupuncture: We use thin needles to stimulate specific points in your body, promoting pain relief, reducing inflammation, and encouraging natural healing processes. See How Acupuncture Works for Pain Based on Modern Science and Traditional Philosophy.
Manual Therapy and Soft Tissue Techniques: We employ hands-on techniques, such as tuina, myofascial release, and structural integration, to alleviate muscle tension, reduce pain, correct myofascial imbalances, and restore proper function in the affected area.
Cupping: We use cupping to promote circulation and decrease inflammation, replenishing the affected area with fresh blood, which carries the nourishment necessary for recovery.
Heat and Cold Therapy: We utilize therapeutic applications of infrared heat and cold, alternating between them, to decrease inflammation, promote circulation, and provide pain relief.
Electrical Stimulation: We apply mild electrical currents to the injured muscles to relieve pain, reduce muscle spasms, and improve muscle strength.
Therapeutic Exercises and Rehabilitation: We will guide you through therapeutic exercises and rehabilitation programs specifically designed to target low back pain caused by muscle strain and sprain. These exercises aim to strengthen the muscles, improve flexibility, and promote proper body mechanics to prevent future injuries.
Case Study
One of the Seattle Seahawks came into our clinic to treat low back pain (and rib pain) due to muscle strain. He sought treatment from us because his pain was hindering his ability to play, and he wanted to alleviate it before the Seahawk's next game that weekend. Prior to contacting us, he had tried chiropractic and physiotherapy treatment to no avail.
During my consultation with him, I found that his erector spinae, psoas, and intercostal muscles were extremely tight, which resulted in low back pain, rib pain, mobility issues, and restricted breathing. Frankly, he was so inhibited that I was surprised that he was able to perform at all.
To help him relieve pain and restore balance, we applied electroacupuncture, manual therapy, cupping*, infrared heat therapy, and cooling herbal medicine compresses. We were able to significantly lengthen and relax the relevant myofascia, which resulted in reduced pain and increased mobility in the affected areas after just two treatments.
That Sunday, January 8th, 2023, the Seahawks beat the Rams 19-16. After the game, I texted the patient a congratulatory message, to which he replied, "You helped me feel alright out there today 🤙." So, what I'm saying is: I'd like to take some credit for that win (JK LOL 😁).
* Note: We were only able to apply cups to his ribs and the upper part of his low back because he had a patch of hair on his low back that prevented the cups from adhering properly.
Conclusion:
Don't let low back pain from muscle strain and sprain limit your life. At Rise Acupuncture & Wellness Clinic, we offer comprehensive treatments tailored to address the underlying causes of your pain and facilitate healing. Through a combination of in-clinic therapies such as acupuncture, manual therapy, and heat/cold therapy, along with home remedies and therapeutic exercises, we strive to provide effective and personalized care.
Remember, seeking professional assistance is essential for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Contact Rise Acupuncture & Wellness Clinic today to schedule a FREE wellness consultation and take the first step toward alleviating your low back pain and reclaiming a pain-free life. Our dedicated team of experts is here to support you on your journey to recovery and improved well-being.
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