Muscle Strain in the Back: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

What is Back Stretching?

A back strain is an overuse of the back muscles that leads to pain, stiffness and limited mobility. It often occurs with sudden movements or incorrect lifting techniques and is treated with rest, cold/heat therapy and exercises. When the muscle fibers in the back are subjected to excessive strain, they can be damaged – this can range from a mild back strain to a more serious muscle tear (partial or complete rupture). The discomfort can occur throughout the back but is most common in the lower back. Read more about similar conditions such as muscle tension in the neck.

Muscle strain symptoms – how to recognize the injury

Common muscle strain symptoms in the back include:

• Local pain and tenderness in the affected area
• Stiffness and limited mobility
• Muscle tension and cramps
• Pain that worsens with strain or certain movements
• In case of a muscle strain in the back: swelling, bruising and sometimes muscle weakness

Symptoms can vary depending on the extent of the injury. With a minor strain, you can often move, but with a rupture, even simple movements can be difficult.

Causes of Muscle Strain Back

Several factors can contribute to a muscle strain in the back:

• Sudden movements or twists
• Incorrect lifting technique
• Overload of the back muscles
• Bad posture
• Insufficient warm-up before physical activity

Muscle tears can also occur during explosive activity during sports, when the muscle is exposed to more force than it can handle, or through direct force against the muscle. Heavy lifting without proper technique is a common cause of back muscle injury. Movements during muscle stretching in the back that worsen the condition should be avoided – especially twisting and bending that put strain on the injured area. Similarly, pinched nerves in the back can cause similar pain-triggering movements.

Treatment of muscle strains and muscle tears in the back

A muscle strain or muscle tear in the back often occurs with sudden movements, heavy lifting, or overexertion. The injury affects the muscles in the lower back and can cause pain, stiffness, and difficulty moving normally. Early treatment helps reduce inflammation and speed up recovery.

Rest and relief

The first step is rest and reduced strain on the back to allow the tissue to heal.

BackComfort™ provides stability and support during the recovery phase, reducing the risk of further overload.

Cooling treatment

During the first 48–72 hours after the injury, cold is recommended to reduce swelling and inflammation.

Termoreliever™ can be used for effective cold therapy and pain relief during the acute phase.

Pain relief

If necessary, anti-inflammatory medications can relieve pain and discomfort.

Regular use of BackComfort™ can reduce the need for medication by providing relief and improving posture.

Gradual return to activity

After a few days, you can gently begin stretching and light exercises to restore mobility.

BackComfort™ provides support during this phase and helps stabilize the back during movement.

Important to consider

When straining your back, it is important to avoid sudden movements and heavy lifting during the first few days. If the pain does not improve after a week or if it worsens, you should contact a physiotherapist or doctor. After the acute phase, heat treatment with Termoreliever™ can stimulate blood circulation and accelerate the healing process.

Conclusion

Back muscle strains can be painful and limiting, but with the right treatment and support, most people can recover well. By combining rest, appropriate treatment, and the use of supportive aids such as BackComfort™ and Termoreliever™, many people can effectively manage their symptoms and speed up the healing process. It is important to listen to your body's signals and gradually return to normal activity to avoid relapse. In case of recurring problems, it may be a good idea to also investigate whether there are signs of nerve pain in the back .

The recovery time for a back strain depends on the extent of the injury. Minor strains can heal in a few days to a week, while more serious muscle strains may require several weeks for full recovery. Professional rehabilitation may be necessary to rebuild muscle strength and mobility, especially for more serious injuries. Always follow your physical therapist's advice regarding rehab and when it is safe to return to full activity.