Back pain can range from a dull ache to a sharp, burning sensation. It can be localized to the lower back or radiate down one leg. Common activities such as crouching, twisting, lifting, standing, or walking can make the pain worse. A muscle strain occurs when some of the muscle fibers are torn or overstretched.
This can happen if you work your muscle too hard or twist it too hard. Symptoms of a muscle strain include localized lower back pain, stiffness, tenderness, and muscle spasms. You may also notice swelling, redness, and bruising in the affected area. A muscle strain wouldn't feel heat, tingling, or electricity like an irritated nerve root would.
The pain will only go away while you are relaxed and resting, as tension and spasms are relieved. However, the pain will most likely intensify when you get up to move again. Other causes of back pain include bone spurs that clog the spinal canal and pinch nerves, being out of shape, a herniated disc in the spine, osteoporosis, a bone infection, cancer, osteoarthritis or spondylosis. Most people will have lower back pain at some point in time and it usually heals in several days.
Pain on only one side of the lower back can also be due to overuse of muscles in a certain way. It's not uncommon to feel a lower level of pain with intermittent episodes of pain for up to 4 to 6 weeks after the initial injury. If the pain continues for more than two weeks and is severe enough to interrupt your daily activities, it is important to seek medical attention. Treatment for lower back pain usually involves rest and physical therapy.
Not only will they help relieve any muscle spasms you may have, but they'll also strengthen your back so you're not as likely to get injured again. Taking anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen can also help reduce swelling and relieve pain.
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