A back strain may not sound like a serious injury at first, but it can be the source of severe pain. Lumbar strains commonly cause lower back pain and are the reason for many emergency room visits. The strain is an injury to the tendons and the lower back muscles ranging from stretching injuries to partial/complete tears in the muscle/tendon. These tears cause inflammation in the surrounding area and give painful back spasms. A lumbar strain can be acute or chronic, depending on the time it has persisted.
The human back consists of muscles, ligaments, tendons, disks, and bones that support the body and enable movement by working together. The cartilage-like pads, known as disks, are the cushion for the spine segments. Problems with any of these parts can lead to back pain and damage can be caused by strain, poor posture, or other medical conditions. A few causes of strains include:
Symptoms of a back strain include mild to extreme discomfort or pain in the lower back, particularly after an injury that stresses the lumbar tissues. Visit a physician if you experience back pain that does not go away after rest, application of ice, and anti- inflammatory medications. Causes may include-