Lumbar sprain
Lumbar sprains are extremely common due to the routine actions to which the human body is subjected in terms of flexion and lifting objects with the back, which usually affect the joints of the spine both in its lumbar and sacroiliac parts.
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Below I will tell you what lumbar sprain is, why it appears, what is its treatment and how to prevent it.
What is a lumbar sprain?
Lumbar sprain is a type of ligamentous strain that is caused by overstretching or tearing of the lumbar ligaments. This injury can also cause damage to the joint capsule and other fascial tissues.
A recurrent lumbar sprain can lead to the development of herniated discs in one or more lumbar vertebrae, so it is recommended to receive timely treatment to avoid future problems.
Treatments for lumbar sprain
Medical treatment for lumbar sprain usually includes: rest, anti-inflammatory medications, analgesics and muscle relaxants, accompanied by physiotherapeutic support or other manual therapies so that the patient can strengthen their vertebral structures and regain the flexibility and joint mobility they have lost.
Severe lumbar sprains may require more complex treatment taking into consideration the particular characteristics of the injury manifested by the patient. Learn more about the treatment of low back pain by accessing the following link www.drguillermojuliot.com/tratamiento-dolor-lumbar/.
Symptoms of lumbar sprain
When the lumbar sprain occurs, the person experiences symptoms such as:
Pain in the lower spine or radiating down the legs, especially when bending over.
Difficulty straightening your back when standing, walking, or sitting; This pain can be moderate or sharp depending on the severity of the injury.
Spasms, swelling, and/or tenderness in the lower back.
Reduced range of motion.
Causes of lumbar sprain
The main causes of lumbar sprain are:
Macrotrauma: blows, falls or accidents.
Microtrauma: derived from overloads due to lifting very heavy objects, repetitive or inappropriate movements with the back, etc.
When we bend over to lift objects from the ground, our center of gravity is momentarily unbalanced, which causes the paraspinal extensor muscles to generate a considerable extension force to counteract flexion. If the force required exceeds the natural paraspinal contraction, too much stress is produced in the lower part of the spine that facilitates the appearance of sprains and other injuries in the back.
Diagnostic process - What to do in the event of a symptom?
Lumbar sprains are diagnosed through a physical exam. During the evaluation, we check the points of lumbar tenderness and inflammation, the intensity of the symptoms will indicate the extent and nature of the injury.
On the other hand, we can use X-rays or MRIs to rule out the existence of fractures or other injuries (apart from the lumbar sprain) that may be causing additional problems.
Prevention of lumbar sprain: Can it be avoided?
Lumbar sprain can be prevented with measures as simple as:
Perform stretching and strengthening exercises for the back muscles.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Take care of postural hygiene.
Use appropriate lifting techniques.
Avoid lifting heavy objects.
Reduce the use of high-heeled shoes.
Risk factors
Spinal sprains are a common cause of temporary disability, which can last for many more days if not treated properly. Lumbar sprains, in addition to deteriorating the person’s quality of life, can become recurrent if the patient does not focus on the proper strengthening of the spine and upper body.
Lumbar sprain care involves multiple factors; In this sense, the best way to treat them and avoid their recurrence is with the help of a spine specialist.
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