How long does it take for pulled muscle in back to heal?
Table of Contents
How long does it take for pulled muscle in back to heal?
Back muscle strains typically heal with time, many within a few days, and most within 3 to 4 weeks. Most patients with mild or moderate lumbar strains make a full recovery and are free of symptoms within days, weeks, or possibly months.
How do you know if your back muscle is pulled?
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.
How should I sleep with a pulled back muscle?
1. Sleep on your side to relieve pain from a pulled back muscle
- Avoid a tight curled-up fetal position (knees pulled in toward the body), and instead sleep with your body slightly elongated.
- Slip a slim pillow between your knees to support the natural curvature of your spine.
How do you heal a pulled back muscle overnight?
After 24 to 72 hours, you may consider:
- Switching from ice to heat therapy. Place a heat pack or electric heating pad against your back. The warmth will increase blood flow to the injured area and may soothe your strained muscles and connective tissues.
- Gentle exercises and stretches. Don’t stay immobile for too long.
How do you fix a strained back?
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.
Can a pulled muscle heal on its own?
Most muscle strains do not require surgery, and a full recovery is expected. If there is a partial tear then the athlete can return when they are pain free and have normal strength and motion. This usually occurs following anywhere from a few weeks to a few months of appropriate treatment and therapy.
Should I get a massage for a pulled back muscle?
Massage therapy can provide substantial healing and pain relief for many lower back problems. Specifically, for pain caused by a back strain, when the correct muscle is targeted, the pain can be controlled at its source—for quicker and lasting relief.
How do you treat a pulled muscle in your lower back?
Should I walk if my back hurts?
Walk At A Moderate Pace The simple movement of walking is one of the best things we can do for chronic lower back pain. Ten to fifteen minutes of walking twice a day will help ease lower back pain. Substitute this activity for a more vigorous type of exercise if you prefer and/or are able.
Will a bath help a pulled muscle?
Combining a warm bath with self massage can work wonders for consistently sore muscles, especially relieving pain in the back. Often people are reluctant to hop into a warm bath when their pain is bad, thinking that the raised temperature will aggravate the inflammation, when really it is often one of the best cures.
