Should you massage a pulled back muscle?

Should you massage a pulled back muscle?

As the pain subsides, try adding strengthening exercises in addition to stretching. Allowing the muscles to weaken with too much rest may actually slow recovery and increase the chances of future injuries. Get a massage. You can further increase blood flow to the injured tissues with a light massage.

How do you know if back pain is muscle or disc?

Back strains or sprains tend to hurt less with bending forward, and more with returning from a forward bend. 2. Herniated discs are often associated with shooting pain and numbness that travels down one of the legs. Lower back sprains and strains tend to have "centralized" pain (only in the lower back).

How long does a muscle strain last?

Recovery time depends on the severity of the injury. For a mild strain, you may be able to return to normal activities within three to six weeks with basic home care. For more severe strains, recovery can take several months. In severe cases, surgical repair and physical therapy may be necessary.

What is the best treatment for muscle strain?

Rest the strained muscle and apply ice for the first few days after the injury. Anti-inflammatory medicines or acetaminophen (Tylenol) also help reduce pain and swelling. As the pain decreases, you can use heat on the muscle. Stretching and light exercises to bring blood to the injured area can also be useful.

Can a muscle strain get worse?

The signs and symptoms of a muscle strain depend on how badly your muscle is injured. The signs and symptoms may or may not show up right away when the injury happens. Swelling in the area of the injury. Muscle pain that gets worse with activity, or pain that moves or spreads to another body area.

What is the fastest way to relieve back pain?

To do it right, dip a warm towel or pillowcase in slightly hot water, wring out the excess, and quickly place an ice pack, ice cubes, or crushed ice in it. Immediately place the towel or pillowcase over the strained area of the back for about 12 to 15 minutes. Repeat several time a day, if needed.

What is the best thing to take for a pulled back muscle?

Is hot or cold better for strained muscles?

Applying heat to an inflamed area will dilate the blood vessels, promote blood flow, and help sore and tightened muscles relax. Heat therapy is usually more effective than cold at treating chronic muscle pain or sore joints caused by arthritis.

How do I know if I have a pinched nerve or pulled muscle?

You may experience a radiating, burning pain in the affected area. While a pulled muscle in your lower back could potentially cause a pinched nerve, this can also be caused by a herniated disc in your spine. If you feel radiant pain that extends into your legs, see a doctor right away.