How to Treat a Muscle Tear in the Back

A torn back muscle can be the result of an accident or blow. You can also tear a back muscle by not stretching properly and over-exerting yourself. Muscle tears can range from 5 percent of the muscle being torn to a tear that stretches across the entire width of a muscle. While a doctor may be able to tell you the extent of your injury, the recovery process will be up to you. By resting and working to rebuild your back muscle, you can help speed its healing.

Things You'll Need

• Anti-inflammatory medications

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Instructions

• 1

  Take an anti-inflammatory medication, such as an NSAID (ibuprofen or naproxen), as directed by the label. This will help bring down any swelling that surrounds the torn muscle. For severe tears, your doctor may prescribe prescription muscle relaxers, but not all muscle tears will necessitate such drugs.

• 2

  When not working to build your muscle back up---and particularly if your injury is recent---rest your back as much as possible, and avoid any activities that hurt or aggravate the torn muscle.

• 3

  Exercise your back. By exercising, you strengthen the muscle and help it to heal. Visit a physical therapist or a personal trainer for several sessions, as needed. She will able to assist you in choosing exercises that help instead of hurt the affected muscle. When you take the time to rebuild your muscle, you are less likely to tear the same muscle again.

• 4

  Wait an appropriate amount of time before going back to a normal workout routine and lifting any heavy objects. It is normal for a torn muscle to take a month to heal.