What does a strained back muscle feel like?
What does a strained back muscle feel like?
Strained muscles usually feel sore, tight, or achy. Pain that feels hot, tingling, or electric is more likely caused by an irritated nerve root, not a pulled muscle. Intensified pain with movement. Low back strain typically worsens with specific movements that activate the affected muscles.
How long does it take a strained 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.
What are 3 symptoms of a muscle strain?
Symptoms of muscle strains
- sudden onset of pain.
- soreness.
- limited range of movement.
- bruising or discoloration.
- swelling.
- a “knotted-up” feeling.
- muscle spasms.
- stiffness.
Should I go to the doctor for a pulled back muscle?
If your back pain is from a recent strain or mild injury, your primary care doctor can probably help. But if the pain is severe, ongoing, or accompanied by other symptoms such as numbness or tingling in your arms or legs, it may be time to see a back doctor.
How do I treat a pulled muscle in my back?
Treating a Pulled Back Muscle in 8 Steps
- Apply cold. Cold helps reduce inflammation, which is the primary source of pain in the first few days.
- Use compression.
- Rest.
- Stretch.
- Pain medication.
- Perform strength exercises.
- Get a massage.
- Apply heat.
Does a pulled muscle hurt all the time?
After straining a muscle, you may experience muscle spasms, weakness, and pain. Sometimes, the area surrounding the muscle will cramp and swell, and you’ll struggle to move a muscle or won’t be able to use it at all. Severe strains, like a partial or complete tear, are very painful.
When does back pain become an emergency?
If your back pain is unrelenting and not relieved by rest, you should immediately visit the closest emergency department. If the pain is accompanied by any of the following symptoms, you should also seek emergency care: Fever. Numbness.