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Symptoms of a Pulled Muscle in the Lower Back

Back pain is an issue most of us will face sometime in our lives. Improper lifting, ill-timed movements and poor conditioning can all lead to trouble with your back. And though the majority of our population associates back pain with a bulging or herniated disk, most cases are actually a result of muscle strain, an injury that is commonly referred to as a pulled muscle. For many people, this injury takes place in the lumbar region of back, resulting in a number of uncomfortable and often distressing symptoms.

  1. Pain

    • One of the most common symptoms of a pulled muscle in the lower back is pain. This pain is usually isolated in the lumbar region of the back, and its intensity is often based on the severity of the strain. With mild injuries, a person usually experiences a throbbing or aching discomfort. But in more significant strains or tears, it can manifest as a sharp or piercing pain.

    Swelling

    • For some people, this pain is often associated with some level of inflammation or swelling within the lower back. This swelling is usually subtle but can become more pronounced, especially in considerable strains or tears. The inflammation is a result of blood rushing to the area of injury to help aid in healing.

    Spasms

    • Often accompanying this swelling are spasms, particularly at the very onset of the pulled muscle. As the injured muscle swells, it can experience a sudden contraction that triggers a spasm within the lower back. Most of the time, these spasms dissipate as the muscle heals, but can return if a given motion threatens re-injure to the area.

    Stiffness

    • A pulled muscle can also produce stiffness in the lower back, regardless of the severity og the strain or tear. This is another method of the body protecting itself from further injury. By causing the area to become stiff, the body limits movement so the muscle can avoid additional irritation and start to repair itself.

    Bruising

    • Though not as common as other symptoms of a pulled muscle, bruising can occur with this type of injury, namely in actual ruptures or tears. When the muscle ruptures or tears, the blood vessels damage and secrete blood. As this blood collects, it eventually forms a bruise.

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