Sprains and Strains

Sprains and Strains affect soft tissue. By definition both conditions mean something has stretched beyond normal. Consider Dave who has not shoveled snow since last winter and has decided to take care of his driveway after the first big storm. More than likely Dave's back and neck muscles will become strained causing pain, tenderness, and stiffness. Why? Dave forced his muscles to perform beyond what he does on a routine basis.

Muscle tissue may become strained when forced to exceed its ability to work. Regular exercise helps to strengthen muscles, allowing them to work harder longer. Muscles are the spine's workhorses. Besides muscle tissue, sprains and strains can affect a ligament or tendon. Ligaments attach bone to bone and tendons attach muscle to bone. A sprained ankle is an example of a sprained ligament.

The bulk of the back is muscle. Extreme force may injure muscle. During a motor vehicle accident the body may be suddenly thrown forward, backward, and sideways. These movements can cause hyperextension (excessive forward movement) and hyperflexion (excessive backward movement), which can cause muscles, ligaments, and tendons to tear.

The symptoms of sprain and strain include sudden, sharp, and persistent pain at the injury site followed by swelling. The patient may think a bone has broken. If medical attention is sought, the physician will ask several questions about the injury during the physical examination. When indicated, an x-ray is performed to rule out abnormality (e.g. broken bone). The physician may prescribe medication to treat pain, inflammation, and spasm during the healing phase.

Following injury, the soft tissues switch into high gear to begin the healing process. Circulating blood quickly carries nutrition to the injury and carries away waste. Sprains and strains are usually self-healing within a two to three week time period.

Treatment may include physical therapy accompanied by a stretching program to help prevent the formation of scar tissue, which can be debilitating. Scar tissue is not normal tissue but is the result of healing. Consider scars that develop on the skin after a severe burn. In most cases the scars are with the patient for life, unless surgically removed. In the case of muscles, ligaments, and tendons a physical therapist may be able to train the scar tissue to mimic the function of the tissue prior to injury. Where a ligament has torn scar tissue can be used to aid in providing some limited strength.

Acupuncture
Avoiding Back Stress
Back Pain
Injections
Soft Tissue Injuries
Strains and Sprains
Muscle Spasms
Whiplash