Help! I Threw Out My Back!

Pain and stiffness are never a welcome feeling.

Here’s what to do if you’ve thrown out your back.

 

“Help! I threw out my back!”

It’s something that many chiropractors (including Oviedo Chiropractic) hear from patients. And while back pain is one of the most common complaints among adults, it’s also a signal that something is drastically wrong.

After all, pain is never “normal.”

Yet even though back problems become more common as you age, that doesn’t mean you have to sit (or lie) back and take it. There is a way to both treat and prevent back pain so you can get back to the things you enjoy.

 

What Does It Mean To “Throw Out Your Back”?

What most people call “throwing out their back” doctors simply refer to as “acute lower back pain.” In other words, you injured your lower back and it hurts.

Lower back pain can stem from a number of different conditions, but the most common reason for acute pain is a muscle strain or ligament sprain.

Sprains and strains are often caused by lifting, bending, or twisting (or a combination of these), especially if you are unused to these movements. Lifting heavy objects, bending to pick something up off the ground, or even sleeping in a strange position can be enough to cause tearing of the muscle or ligament fibers.

Other possible causes for your back pain are a pinched nerve or a herniated or bulging disc. These are often caused by joint misalignments or an accident (such as a car crash).

In most cases, it’s easy to identify the action (or accident) that caused you to throw out your back. However, if you cannot pinpoint the reason for your sudden back pain, there’s a chance that the pain could be due to a chronic or degenerative condition, such as spinal stenosis or arthritis.

 

Symptoms of Throwing Out Your Back

The pain of a lower back injury can range from a dull ache to a sharp pain that prevents you from moving as you normally would. You may also experience muscle spasms, which is your body’s attempt to immobilize the injured area so it can heal.

Depending on your exact injury, you may also feel stiffness and/or reduced range of motion in the affected area.

How To Treat Acute Lower Back Pain

The good news is that most lower back injuries will go away on their own with simple, at-home treatment.

For the first few days after your muscle strain, focus on resting the area and applying ice packs or heat packs to reduce inflammation as well as promote blood flow. You can also try some over-the-counter anti-inflammatories, such as ibuprofen.

After a day or two of rest, add some light physical activity to restore mobility. Gentle stretching, walking, and yoga are all good options, but avoid bending, lifting, or twisting too much.

Some people find that placing a pillow or a rolled-up towel behind their back makes sitting more comfortable. You may also prefer sleeping on your back to avoid stretching the muscles further. However, ask your doctor before using a back stretcher, as these can make the problem worse.

For more serious back pain, your doctor may recommend physical therapy or muscle relaxants. While muscle relaxants can help relieve pain caused by spasms, they are merely treating the symptoms of your injury, not helping your body heal.

And even though a physical therapist can provide relief, this treatment method takes time. Instead, see a chiropractor for fast, effective care that treats your back pain right at the source.

How To Prevent Back Injury

If you’ve thrown out your back, one of your biggest concerns is how to keep this from happening again.

First, learn how to lift heavy objects safely and wear supportive equipment when doing so.

Second, practice good posture, whether you’re driving, sitting, or standing. Use a posture corrector if you need to.

Most lower back injuries are caused by complex movements, such as bending while twisting. To help your body become accustomed to these movements, work with a personal trainer on your functional fitness. This type of exercise trains your body for the types of movements you do every day.

Finally, start seeing your chiropractor regularly.

Regular manual adjustments are the key to keeping your spine and other joints in the proper location, which in turn keeps your muscles and nerves from undue strain and pressure.

In addition to pain relief, chiropractic care can help prevent injury, improve your range of motion, and much more.

 

Get Back To Your Life With Oviedo Chiropractic

Acute lower back pain can be extremely disruptive to your life, preventing you from doing the things you want (or need) to do. Thankfully, treatment is available.

At Oviedo Chiropractic, our chiropractors and medical massage therapists are knowledgeable in the many treatment options available to treat your pain and improve your quality of life.

We are also open on Saturday so that you can get an appointment at your convenience.

Schedule an appointment today to see how we can help you get back on your feet.