Back Strains Vs. Back Sprains: What’s the Difference?
What does it mean to “sprain” or “strain” something? Are you unsure which of these injuries you’re experiencing? In this article, we’re going to examine the difference between a sprain and strain, and help you figure out what’s going on beneath the surface.
Muscle and Tendon Strains
Muscles and tendons are the types of tissues that connect muscle to bone. When these tissues are injured, the injury is referred to as a “strain.”
As far as muscle strains are concerned, generally, the injury will start to heal after a few days and will be completely healed within a few weeks. This timeline can vary slightly depending on the extent of the strain in question.
For tendon strains and injuries, the timeline tends to be a bit longer. Often, tendons aren’t fully healed until a few months after the injury. However, the patient will generally have significantly less pain after just a few weeks of relative rest and appropriate treatment for the strain.
Ligament Sprains
Ligaments are the tissues that connect bones to other bones. An injury to a ligament is known as a “sprain.”
Sprains are similar to strains in some ways, however, sprains often take quite a long time in order to fully heal. In fact, some research demonstrates the benefit of protecting sprained ligaments for more than a year after an injury.
Is It a Back Strain or a Back Sprain?
If you’re experiencing pain in the back right now, you probably don’t care about this question, you just want to feel better!
Whether or not your back injury is a sprain or a strain will depend on what specific structure is causing your pain. If you strained some back muscles while you were lifting a heavy box, you could correctly state that you have a back strain.
However, if you were in a car accident and damaged some ligaments in your back, you’d be more accurate in referring to your injury as a back sprain.
How Can I Heal My Back Pain?
When it comes down to it, it isn’t critically important whether you refer to your injury as a back strain or a back sprain. What’s most important is that you get better as quickly as possible.
Chiropractors can help you achieve this goal.
Chiropractic Care for Back Pain
Chiropractors are well equipped to rehabilitate cases of back pain, regardless of whether they stem from tendon, muscle, or ligament injuries.
Your chiropractor will perform a detailed examination of your back while compiling a history of your symptoms.
With this data in mind, your chiropractor will then develop a treatment plan in order to get you better as soon as possible. This treatment plan may include any or all of the following elements:
- Massage techniques;
- Spinal adjustments;
- Traction;
- TENS;
- Ultrasound;
- Hot or cold therapy;
- Exercise.
Beyond the list of treatment options outlined above, your chiropractor may also elect to review your diet with you. Certain foods can cause inflammation and pain, therefore, your chiropractor may recommend certain dietary changes, depending on your individual needs.
Anchor Health Chiropractic: Your Noblesville Chiropractor
Sick and tired of your back pain? Come see your local chiropractor at Anchor Health Chiropractic today! We will thoroughly review your history and make sure that you are on the road to recovery as quickly as possible. Book your appointment with our professional and experienced team, and begin your journey toward a pain-free life.
