Sprained ankles are common, but what about a sprained back? Is it possible? Yes it is. Use this quick question and answer article below to learn what a sprained back is and how it can be healed.
Q: What is a sprain anyway?
A: A sprain is a microscopic tear of ligaments, tendons or muscles.
Q: How do I know if I have a sprained back muscle?
A: You will feel pain. But making sure the pain you feel is from a sprain and not a damaged disc or other problem is critical. Generally you will have stiffness, pain that may radiate into the buttocks but does not go into the legs, pain that persists more than two weeks and muscle spasms.
Q: Will my sprained back heal?
A: Yes. Statistics show that well over 90 percent of all sprained back sufferers experience a full recovery.
Q: How long will it take my sprained back to heal?
A: This depends on severity of the sprain, your age and health, and on how well you are able to put yourself into healing-conducive situations. But a sprain can take up to a year to heal. Don't worry though; it is most likely that you will be able to lead a normal active life after the initial healing period.
Q: Initial healing period? What's that?
A: There are four stages of healing after a sprain.
Stage 1 is referred to the Active Swelling stage and occurs during the initial 12-72 hours after the injury.
Stage 2 is called the Passive Congestion stage and begins by day 2 or 3. This is the stage where most of the swelling occurs.
Stage 3 is the Tissue Repair stage. It begins by day 4 or 5. During this stage the body infiltrates the damaged area with scar tissue which is laid down in criss-cross matrix of fibers and is not conducive to normal function.
Stage 4 is the remodeling stage. It starts about six weeks after the Tissue Repair stage begins. In this stage, scar tissue fibers are realigned to a parallel orientation. It generally lasts 3-6 months but can last up to a year. It is during this stage that you can return to an increasingly normal routine.
Q: Is there anything I can do to speed my recovery?
A: Yes there is. During stage 1 stay down and keep movement to an extreme minimum. During stage 2, as pain levels allow, start to become somewhat mobile. But don't push it. During stage 3 increase movement and functionality. You should be able to begin to cautiously return to some normal function albeit slower, and guarded. Avoid lifting or any sudden movement. Then, during stage 4, under your doctor's or physical therapist's guidance, you can engage in stretches and exercise to aid the body in realigning the scar tissue.
In the initial stages anti inflammatory drugs will greatly aid in the reduction of swelling which will allow for quicker healing. Electro therapy devices are also highly recommended.
Q: Should I wear a back brace? If so, when and for how long?
A: A back brace, (a.k.a. a spinal brace) can be very helpful in immobilizing your sprained muscles while allowing you to remain active. In the initial stages, a restrictive or "cinch-tight" brace is ideal. However, especially as you enter the remodeling stage, a flexible brace is a better choice.
In general, braces should be worn no more than 4 hours a day to avoid muscle atrophy, and they can be worn at your most challenging times whether that be while lying, sitting or standing.
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