What Is a Pulled Back Muscle?

A pulled muscle in the spinal column, also known as back muscle strain, occurs when the fibers of a back muscle are torn or overstretched. Tearing or overstretching of the back muscle is often caused by excessive force or improper movements, leading to stiffness, pain and decreased mobility.

The spine is a complex structure of bones, muscles, ligaments and nerves. The muscles surrounding the spine are responsible for support and flexibility. When these muscles are strained, the resulting pain and discomfort can impact daily life, particularly affecting common movements, such as:

• Bending
• Lifting
• Standing for long periods

Pulled muscle in the spine is prevalent, with approximately 39% of adults in the United States experiencing back pain in their lifetime. Individuals with physically demanding jobs or active lifestyles are more prone to experiencing this kind of injury. Depending on the severity, a pulled back muscle can cause mild discomfort to severe pain.

Symptoms of a Pulled Muscle in the Spine

The symptoms of a pulled muscle in the back can vary depending on the severity of the strain or damage to the muscle. Common signs of a pulled back muscle include:

1. Sharp or dull pain: Pain is usually felt immediately after the injury. It may manifest as a sudden, sharp ache or gradually develop into a dull pain that worsens with movement.
2. Muscle stiffness: Stiffness and tightness are common indicators of muscle strain. They can limit your range of motion, making it difficult to perform daily tasks, such as bending, lifting or standing up straight.
3. Muscle spasms: In some cases, the back muscles go into spasms as a protective response to the injury. These involuntary contractions can cause intense pain and further restrict movement.
4. Swelling and tenderness: Swelling and tenderness of the injured area may occur once inflammation sets in. Bruising is also possible, depending on the severity of the strain.
5. Pain with movement: Activities like bending forward, lifting objects or twisting your torso can aggravate the strained muscle and increase the pain. Sitting and standing for prolonged periods may also become uncomfortable.
6. Localized discomfort: With muscle strain, pain is typically localized or limited to the injured area, unlike with herniated discs and sciatica, where pain may radiate down to the arms and legs.

Common Causes of a Pulled Muscle in the Spine

Muscle strains in the back can happen for a variety of reasons, but the most common causes include:

1. Improper lifting techniques: Incorrect techniques when lifting heavy objects are among the most frequent causes of a pulled back muscle. Lifting with your back instead of using your legs and core muscles puts excessive strain on spine muscles, which can lead to injury.
2. Sudden, awkward movements: Quick and shaky movements during physical activities or sports can result in back muscle strain. Examples of movements that can overstretch your back muscles include sudden twisting or bending at an awkward angle.
3. Overuse or repetitive strain: Frequent bending or lifting can cause back muscles to become fatigued and more susceptible to strain. This is common among individuals doing frequent physical labor or in athletes performing repetitive movements.
4. Poor posture: Slouching or maintaining poor posture for extended periods can weaken the back muscles and increase the risk of strain. Other activities that can contribute to back muscle fatigue and injury include sitting at a desk for several hours, long drives and poor standing posture.
5. Weak core muscles: Weak abdominal, lower back and pelvic muscles may require other back muscles to work harder to support your spine, increasing the risk of a pulled muscle.
6. Accidents and falls: Sudden trauma, such as a fall, car accident or sports-related injury, can cause back muscles to overstretch or tear and result in muscle strain.

How to Diagnose a Back Muscle Strain

Diagnosing a pulled muscle in the back begins with a physical examination and an evaluation of your symptoms. During the exam, your healthcare provider will ask about your medical history and the circumstances that led to the injury.

Here are the typical steps involved in diagnosing a pulled back muscle:

1. Physical examination: Your doctor will assess your range of motion, check for areas of tenderness, and look for signs of swelling or muscle spasms. They may also ask you to perform specific movements to determine which muscles are affected and how the injury impacts your mobility.
2. Medical history: Understanding your lifestyle, activity level and any recent incidents that could have caused the injury is key to making an accurate diagnosis.
3. Imaging tests: While rarely needed, imaging tests like X-rays, MRIs or CT scans can rule out other causes of back pain, like nerve damage or bone problems. These scans may also be used when your doctor suspects a more serious condition, such as a herniated disc or a fracture.

Treatment for a Pulled Muscle in the Spine

While most muscle strains heal with time and conservative care, seeking professional treatment after thorough research is also encouraged. Some of the most effective treatments for back muscle pain include:

• Rest: Give your muscles time to heal. Avoid activities that could aggravate the injury, but try not to be completely inactive, as this can cause muscle stiffness.
• Ice and heat therapy: Ice the injured area in the first 24 to 48 hours of injury to help numb the pain and reduce inflammation. Continue icing for 15 to 20 minutes several times a day in the succeeding days. Once initial swelling has reduced, use a warm compress for 15 to 20 minutes to relax the muscles and improve blood flow.
• Over-the-counter medication: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen or naproxen can help relieve pain and reduce inflammation.
• Gentle stretching and movement: After the initial acute phase, gentle stretching and low-impact activities like walking can help prevent stiffness and improve flexibility. Be sure to avoid strenuous activities until the muscle is fully healed.
• Physical therapy: Working with a physical therapist can help with severe or recurrent muscle strains. A physical therapist can design a rehabilitation program to strengthen your back and core muscles and improve flexibility, which can prevent future injuries.
• Massage: A professional massage can help relieve muscle tightness and reduce pain. Ensure the therapist knows about your injury so they can avoid worsening the strain.
• Muscle relaxants: For severe muscle spasms, doctors may prescribe muscle relaxants to help ease the pain and soothe the muscles.

Preventing a Pulled Muscle in the Spine

By making certain lifestyle adjustments and practicing good habits, you can reduce the risk of future muscle strains in the spine:

1. Lift properly: Always lift heavy objects by bending your knees and using your leg muscles, not your back. Keep the object close to your body, and avoid twisting while lifting.
2. Maintain good posture: Whether sitting, standing or walking, maintaining good posture reduces the strain on your back muscles. Sit with your back straight and supported, and avoid slouching.
3. Strengthen your core: Strengthening your core muscles can help support your spine and reduce the likelihood of muscle strain. Incorporate exercises like planks, bridges and abdominal crunches into your fitness routine.
4. Stretch regularly: Stretching your back, hamstrings and hip muscles can improve flexibility and reduce the risk of injury.
5. Stay active: Regular exercise keeps your muscles strong and flexible, reducing the risk of strain. Include aerobic exercises like walking, swimming or cycling to improve overall fitness.
6. Avoid prolonged sitting or standing: Take breaks to stretch and move around if you sit or stand for long periods. This helps reduce stiffness and muscle fatigue.

A pulled muscle in the spine is a common but often painful injury that can limit your ability to perform daily activities. Understanding the symptoms, causes and treatment options for a back muscle strain can help you manage the injury and recover more quickly. By practicing good posture, strengthening your core and using proper lifting techniques, you can reduce your risk of future muscle strains and keep your back healthy and strong.

Schedule a Consultation With DISC

Desert Institute for Spine Care (DISC) specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of spine-related injuries. Our specialists are experts in minimally invasive spine surgeries, helping our patients restore their lifestyle. Schedule an appointment today to learn more about back muscle strain treatment.