The following piece was written by Jed Vanichkachorn, MD, an orthopedic spine surgeon at Bon Secours Tuckahoe Orthopedics.
The lower back, or lumbar region, plays a crucial role in supporting the body’s weight. This makes it particularly susceptible to injuries. But can you sprain your lower back?
You can strain or sprain your lower back. These injuries can occur due to various activities, including walking, lifting heavy objects, running or even twisting awkwardly while seated.
By gaining a deeper understanding of lower back sprains, their symptoms and their treatments, we can take proactive steps to prevent such injuries and promote overall back health.
What is a lower back sprain?
A lower back sprain or strain typically results from awkward heavy lifting and is generally benign, meaning it doesn’t usually indicate a more severe underlying issue.
This type of trauma affects the muscles in the lower back and is a common injury. Other causes of lower back sprains include exercise-related injuries, car accidents and athletic activities. In some instances, the tendons – tough bands of tissue connecting bone and muscle in the back – can be pulled, torn or twisted, leading to pain.
Additionally, as we age, the discs in our lower back can dehydrate and lose their ability to provide adequate support and shock absorption, making our backs more prone to sprains.
How can you sprain your lower back?
The symptoms of a lower back sprain include pain that worsens with movement, muscle cramps or spasms and reduced mobility. Some individuals may feel the injury occur and may be startled by a popping or tearing noise.
In severe cases, the pain may progress to include weakness or tingling in the legs or problems with bowel and bladder control, requiring immediate medical attention.
How can you treat them?
When the pain is localized and doesn’t radiate or cause numbness, most patients experience significant improvement within two to three weeks. Treatment is typically conservative, such as medication like anti-inflammatories, physical therapy, ice therapy and rest.
How can you prevent spraining your lower back?
To prevent lower back injuries, it is essential to adopt “back smart” practices when lifting. This means using the legs rather than the back to lift heavy objects. Having good posture can help maintain good back and spinal health.
Regular physical activity, including thirty minutes of exercise three to four times per week and core strengthening exercises, can help make the back less vulnerable to injury. A healthy diet that supports bone health can also prevent premature disc deterioration. Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial, as extra weight can put added stress on the lumbar region.
When should you see a doctor?
While lower back sprains are common and most patients recover with relative ease, certain symptoms require making an appointment with a doctor right away. These symptoms include:
- Severe pain that inhibits walking
- Numbness in the back and/or legs
- A history of back injuries combined with a new sprain
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
Now that you know you can sprain your lower back, staying informed about the causes, symptoms and treatments of lower back sprains, and by adopting preventive measures, we can minimize the risk of injury and promote better overall back health.
Learn about the orthopedic and sports medicine services we offer at Bon Secours.
