Chiropractors are experts in the diagnosis and treatment of musculoskeletal disorders, including low back sprains.
Lumbar sprain is a relatively common injury to the lower back that can be caused by a number of factors, such as lifting something heavy, twisting or bending awkwardly, or landing strangely after a jump.
Symptoms of a lumbar sprain are pain, swelling, and stiffness in the lower back. Chiropractic treatments for low back sprains typically include spinal manipulation, ice and heat therapy, and ultrasound.
Read on to learn more about low back sprains and what we can do as chiropractors!
What is a lumbar sprain?
A lumbar sprain is a stretching or tearing of the ligaments in the lower back. The lumbar spine is made up of five bones, or vertebrae, which are connected by ligaments.
These bones and ligaments work together to provide support and stability to the lower back.
A lumbar sprain can occur when the ligaments are stretched beyond their normal range of motion, often following a fall or sudden movement.
In severe cases, a low back sprain can also cause bruising, swelling, and muscle weakness.
If you think you have a lower back sprain, it’s important to see a chiropractor for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.
How do I know if I have a lumbar sprain?
When you sprain your ankle, you know it. The pain is immediate and disabling, and the swelling is evident. But a lumbar sprain is a little different.
This type of injury occurs in the lower back, and since it is not as noticeable as an ankle sprain, it can be difficult to diagnose.
However, there are a few telltale signs that can help you determine whether or not you have suffered a low back sprain.
First, check the pain. A lumbar sprain usually causes a dull ache in the lower back that gets worse with movement.
Next, look for swelling. It may be hard to see, but you may notice that your clothes are tighter at the waist than usual.
Finally, check the sensitivity. Light pressure on your lower back shouldn’t cause pain to a healthy person, but if you have a low back sprain, even light pressure will probably be too painful to bear.
Paying attention to these three signs can help you determine whether or not you have a low back sprain.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it is best to see a chiropractor for a diagnosis.
What are the causes of a lumbar sprain?
A lumbar sprain can be caused by a sudden movement, like when you twist your back, or by repetitive stress on the ligaments, like when you repeatedly lift heavy objects.
A lumbar sprain can also be caused by a fall or direct blow to the lower back, or can also be caused by ligament wear and tear from age or arthritis.
Otherwise, a fall, car accident or sports injury may be the cause. ⛷️
The main symptoms of a lumbar sprain
The main symptoms of a low back sprain are pain, tenderness, stiffness and swelling.
The pain often worsens with movement and may radiate to the buttocks or legs. Range of motion in the lower back may be limited and walking may be difficult.
In severe cases, a low back sprain can cause nerve damage, leading to numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs.
Pain can be acute (sudden and intense) or chronic (long lasting). The stiffness and tenderness usually gets worse when you try to move or put pressure on the affected area.
How to cure a lumbar sprain quickly?
Lumbar sprain is a relatively common injury that can cause pain and stiffness in the lower back.
The good news is that there are simple steps you can take to quickly treat a low back sprain and get back to your normal activities.
First of all, it is important to rest the affected area and to avoid any activity that could aggravate the pain.
Ice can also be helpful to reduce inflammation. Applying ice for 15 to 20 minutes several times a day can help reduce swelling and pain.
Pain medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can also be helpful.
Also, it is important to keep the area supported by wearing a back brace or using a pillow when you sit or lie down.
Also, gentle stretching and strengthening exercises can help support the lower back and speed up the healing process.
Finally, chiropractic care will greatly help you to treat and heal a lumbar sprain.
With proper self-care, most people recover from a back strain within a few weeks.
Make an appointment with our chiropractors to optimize your healing time
Suffering from a low back sprain can be extremely painful and debilitating. The good news is that our chiropractors can help optimize healing time by providing targeted treatment.
Although the severity of sprains can vary, they usually cause pain and stiffness in the lower back and can make movement difficult.
If left untreated, healing from a low back sprain can take weeks or even months.
However, with the help of our experienced chiropractors, you can minimize healing time and return to your normal activities as quickly as possible.
Our chiropractors work with you to develop a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.
Why make an appointment with us?
At Chiro du Portage, we offer a wide range of services, including spinal manipulation, massage and physical therapy.
By taking advantage of our unique approach to care, you can optimize your healing time and get back to your life faster.
During your appointment, our chiropractors will perform a thorough examination of your spine and surrounding muscles. Based on their findings, they develop a personalized treatment plan that may include spinal manipulation, massage, and stretching.
Chiropractic care can help optimize recovery time from a low back sprain by reducing inflammation and restoring range of motion. Our chiropractors will also suggest specific exercises and stretches to relieve pain and prevent future injuries.
By addressing the underlying cause of your pain, our chiropractors can help you find relief and get back to your normal activities as quickly as possible. If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned in this article, we encourage you to make an appointment with one of our chiropractors.
We can help you assess the severity of your sprain and develop a treatment plan.
Don’t suffer from back pain any longer than necessary – contact us today to schedule an appointment!
Dr. Émilie Gaudreau, chiropractor
Dr. Patrick Gaudreau, chiropractor