Can a pulled back muscle heal in a week?
Given time, most injuries to the ligaments and muscles will heal on their own within six weeks. The key to recovery is staying active, within limits. Most people who try to return to their normal lives as soon as possible find that their ache gradually fades.
How long does a pulled back muscle usually last?
Compared to many other kinds of back injuries, a pulled muscle is usually straightforward to diagnose and easy to treat, and symptoms usually resolve within 4 to 6 weeks. Some severe muscle injuries, such as a complete muscle tear, can take months to heal.
How long does a pulled upper back muscle take to heal?
A pulled back muscle can begin as a sudden, sharp pain when lifting or bending. Or it may appear gradually, getting progressively worse over several days. This common injury ranges from a minor inconvenience to an intense source of pain. It can take several weeks, and in some cases a few months, to heal.
How do you know if you pulled a muscle in your back?
The most common symptoms of a torn muscle, strained muscle, and pulled muscle include:
- Sore or tenderness in your lower back.
- Pain that occurs suddenly.
- Muscle spasms.
- Pain increases when standing, walking, or twisting.
- Stiffness in the back region.
- Pain that radiates to your legs, buttock, or thigh areas.
How do you tell the difference between a pinched nerve and a pulled muscle?
Tingling or a feeling of “pins and needles” in the affected area. Sharp pain that radiates out. (In contrast, a pulled muscle will usually cause dull pain that’s focused in one spot.) A burning sensation in the affected area that feels like it’s located in your deep tissues.
What is the fastest way to heal a pulled back muscle?
To speed the healing, you should: Ice your back to reduce pain and swelling as soon as you injure yourself. Do it for 20-30 minutes every 3-4 hours for 2-3 days. You can also ice your back after physical activity.
What are the symptoms of a pulled back muscle?
Symptoms of a pulled back muscle depend on where the injury is. The spine is divided into three major sections: the neck, upper back and shoulders, and lower back. Pain in the area between the spine and shoulder blade Trauma, stress, and tension may all cause strains and sprains.
Is it possible to pull a muscle in your lower back?
Although it’s possible to have a pulled muscle anywhere in your back, these strains and sprains most often occur in the lumbar region, or your lower back. One of the most common symptoms of a pulled back muscle is lower left side back pain.
How long does it take for a pulled back muscle to heal?
A pulled back muscle can begin as a sudden, sharp pain when lifting or bending. Or it may appear gradually, getting progressively worse over several days. This common injury ranges from a minor inconvenience to an intense source of pain. It can take several weeks, and in some cases a few months, to heal. 1
Do you need surgery for a pulled back muscle?
Sprains and strains may not sound like serious injuries, but the back pain they cause can really hurt! In fact, the pain can be so excruciating that some people are convinced they’ve done something terrible to their back — and that they’ll need surgery. The good news is you definitely won’t need surgery.
How to treat back pain caused by a pulled muscle?
Most back pain caused by a pulled muscle responds well to home remedies. Start with ice to reduce inflammation, then do periodic heat applications to increase circulation and stimulate tissue healing. Avoid prolonged bed rest beyond 24-48 hours since this may weaken spine-supporting muscles and make pain worse.
Although it’s possible to have a pulled muscle anywhere in your back, these strains and sprains most often occur in the lumbar region, or your lower back. One of the most common symptoms of a pulled back muscle is lower left side back pain.
What are the symptoms of a pulled lumbar muscle?
Symptoms of a pulled lower back include: 1 loss of function and restricted movement. 2 difficulty walking, bending, or standing straight. 3 swelling and bruising. 4 muscle cramping or spasms. 5 sudden pain in the lower back. What can cause a pulled lumbar muscle?
Where does a pulled back muscle show up?
Pulled back muscle symptoms can show up anywhere in the back, whether it be upper back, lower back, or mid back, and can include back muscles right along the spine, or farther out away from the spine. I like to use the phrase ‘tweaked a back muscle’ instead of ‘pulled a back muscle.
How long does a pulled muscle in the back take 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.
Will a pulled back muscle heal itself?
Should I stretch a pulled muscle in my back?
Stretch. According to Kojo Hamilton, MD, as you return to activity, gentle stretching exercises may improve tissue healing by bringing more blood flow to the injured area. Applying heat to the area prior to stretching may also be beneficial.
