December 5, 2024
Lumbar strain, also known as “weightlifter back,” is a condition resulting from an injury or overexertion of the lower back. Specifically, the lumbar section of the spine, your tendons, and muscles may have some damage that can lead to spasms and soreness.
Strains can come from multiple different places, actions, and sports. Read here to find out how it happens, what you can do to prevent it, and how a chiropractor can help.
What Causes Lumbar Strain?
Lumbar muscle strains are among the most common causes of low back pain. Muscle strains and sprains can occur because the lumbar spine supports the weight of the upper body and is extensively utilized in moving, twisting, and bending.
Lumbar strains are caused when ligaments (the tough bands of tissue that hold bone together) are torn from their attachments. Both instances can come from a sudden injury or overuse.
Sports like weightlifting and football can lead to lumbar strain. Due to their push-and-pull nature, these activities place excess strain and tension on the lower back. You can also experience lumbar strain from sports requiring sudden lower back twists, like tennis, basketball, baseball, and golf.
Certain risk factors can increase the risk of injury:
- Severe lower back curvature
- Forward-tilted pelvis
- Weak back or abdominal muscles
- Tight hamstrings
This is not a comprehensive list of causes or factors; speak with one of our chiropractic experts to find out how we can help.
What Are the Symptoms of Lumbar Strain?
Symptoms can vary from case to case but often include:
- Sudden low back pain
- Spasms in the lower back that result in more severe pain
- The lower back feels sore to the touch
- Stiffness in the lower back, restricting your range of motion
- Difficulty/inability to maintain normal posture due to stiffness or pain
Consult a professional, licensed chiropractor to identify the root of the issue, as these symptoms can be caused by other health problems, like subluxations or misalignments.
How Can I Prevent Lumbar Strain?
The best way to deal with lower back pain is to prevent it from happening to you. Minimizing your back pain starts with exercise. Strengthen your back and stretch regularly to ensure it’s prepared for anything you do.
Avoid sleeping on your stomach, as it places excess pressure on your lower back. Sleeping on your back or side is significantly safer for your lower back. Place a pillow underneath or between your legs to keep your spine aligned while you sleep.
If you feel pain while engaging in physical activity, stop immediately to avoid exacerbating the issue. Furthermore, if you feel low back pain within a day of increasing the difficulty of your workout, take it easy for a few days and give your body time to recover.
When lifting something heavy, bend at the knees and avoid bending at the waist. Lifting something even moderately heavy while bending at the waist can cause severe lower back pain.
How Can a Chiropractor Help?
Chiropractic care, as a specialty, is focused entirely on achieving physical wellness in a natural and non-invasive manner.
Adjustments
Your chiropractor will use chiropractic adjustments to realign the spine. As a result, you should feel some relief from pain on your first visit. By adjusting the spine, your chiropractor will relieve pressure on the injured portion and allow the body to heal itself.
Mobilization Techniques
Your chiropractor may also use mobilization techniques to increase your range of motion. These include some low-velocity manipulation and movement/stretching of muscles and joints in the lower back.
Wellness Plan
Care doesn’t stop when you leave the office; your chiropractor may develop a wellness plan to keep you healthy. This consists of things you can do day-to-day to get closer to your ideal image of health. It may include a nutritious diet, exercises, stretches, or other activities.
Contact Our Clearwater Chiropractor Today!
Lumbar strain should be treated immediately to avoid long-term pain and loss of motion. When you feel pain or discomfort in your lower back, call 727-447-4647 or contact Family Life Chiropractic today to receive the care and treatment you need to live pain-free!
About the Author: With over three decades of experience, Dr. Jere Jarrett is a highly educated and experienced chiropractor who serves Clearwater, FL, and the surrounding areas. He takes a “whole-body” approach to chiropractic care. Instead of treating symptoms, Dr. Jarrett looks for the underlying cause of pain and discomfort. Call 727-447-4647 to schedule an appointment!