Understanding
A muscle strain is a damage to a muscle or its attaching tendons. Also known as a “pulled muscle,” a muscle strain can result from strenuous activity. In severe muscle strain, the muscle can tear, and small blood vessels can be damaged, causing localized bleeding and pain.
Causes & Risk Factors
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- Muscle strains can occur during the course of normal activities when undue stress is placed on the lower back.
- Frequent causes of muscle strains include lifting a heavy object, lifting while twisting, or a sudden movement or fall.
- Sports injuries are also a frequent cause of muscle strains.
- Risk factors include poor physical conditioning, fatigue, and improper warm-up before exercising.
Symptoms
Symptoms range from a mild ache to debilitating pain and can include:
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- Swelling, bruising, or redness.
- Pain at rest.
- Pain when the specific muscle or the joint concerning that muscle is used.
- The weakness of the muscles or tendons.
- Inability to use the muscle.
Diagnosis
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- During a physical exam, your pain specialist can check for swelling and tenderness points in the affected area.
- X-rays can be taken to rule out a fracture or other bone injury as the problem’s source.
- MRIs can also be used to diagnose the injury.
Treatment Options
At PMIR Medical Center, we understand that pain is a complex condition that affects the whole person – body, mind, and spirit. We provide a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to treatment, customizing the most effective treatment plans for our patients and empowering them to become collaborative partners in their recovery process.
Muscle strains generally heal over time, in as little as a few days to a few weeks. Application of ice immediately following a muscle strain can reduce your pain and swelling. Avoiding activities that can cause additional pain or swelling is also important. We offer treatment options for muscle strain that include:
