Methods for treating a muscle tear in the back vary depending on the severity of the condition. There are some home methods and other medical methods. Follow this article with us to learn the different ways to treat a muscle tear in the back, and when should you consult a doctor?

Treating a muscle tear in the back medically

The method of treating a muscle tear in the back medically at Al Mousa Specialist Hospital depends on the severity of the tear and its complications. Medical methods for treating a tear in the back muscles include the following:

• Treatment with medications, where the doctor prescribes some analgesic medications to help you tolerate the pain and practice daily activity. Some doctors may also prescribe muscle relaxants for a short period to reduce muscle spasm.  
• Treatment using physical therapy. Physical therapy, such as stretching exercises, helps increase the flexibility of the back muscles and reduce spasm. Strengthening exercises also work to reduce muscle tension, strengthen the back muscles, and support the spine. 
• Surgical treatment: Doctors resort to surgical intervention to treat torn back muscles in severe cases of torn ligaments and muscle fibers of the back. 

Treating a muscle tear in the back at home

Many people search for home methods to treat muscle tears in the back, but you should be aware that in severe cases, home methods are not of much benefit and may only help in mild cases of muscle tears. They can also speed up the healing process in addition to approved medical methods. 

Home treatment methods for treating torn back muscles include the following:

• Rest is one of the first necessary steps to relieve andTreatment of muscle tear To reduce the level of activities that increase pain or stress on the back muscles.
• Use cold compresses, by placing ice bags on the affected area. They work to reduce inflammation and swelling and reduce pain. They can be used for 15-20 minutes several times a day. 
• Use warm compresses or a warm bath, preferably 48 hours after the muscle tear occurs, because heat will help reduce pain, relax the muscles, and increase blood circulation. Warm compresses are applied for 20 minutes, and can be used alternately with cold compresses. 
• Use compression bandages to try to reduce swelling in the affected muscle and try to repair the damaged tissue on its own faster.
• Do light stretching and massage exercises after the pain subsides, in order to improve tissue healing by increasing blood flow to the torn muscle and improving muscle flexibility.
• Practice walking and light daily activity, to maintain the function of the spinal structure, relieve lower back stiffness, and reduce the feeling of pain.

Tips when treating a muscle tear in the back

There are some tips that you can follow while treating a muscle tear in the back, in order to quickly respond to treatment and heal and avoid worsening the condition. These tips include the following:

• Make sure to get enough rest, while maintaining the correct body position when sleeping, sitting, standing, and moving, and avoid bending and arching the back. 
• Avoid sleeping on the stomach because it aggravates the pain, and also avoid sitting for long periods. 
•  Avoid excessive movement or heavy lifting to prevent worsening muscle tear. 
• You should go to the doctor if symptoms persist for more than two weeks, especially if the pain increases.
• Following a healthy diet supports bone and muscle strength, and you must maintain your weight, as excess weight puts pressure on the spine, especially the lower back. 
• Pay attention while moving and avoid falling, or any violent movement that leads to tearing of the back muscles.
• Exercising helps strengthen the back, improve muscle flexibility, and relieve pain, such as swimming, cycling, or walking. 

 When should you consult a doctor about a torn back muscle?

Although the treatment of a muscle tear in the back can be done at home, there are some symptoms that when they appear, we advise you to resort to a visit. Musculoskeletal rehabilitation center At Al Mousa Specialist Hospital Immediately, they are as follows:

• Severe pain is unbearable even with painkillers. 
• The pain persists for more than two weeks or worsens day after day. 
• Severe swelling or bruising appears at the site of the muscle tear. 
• Feeling numbness or tingling in the legs or feet. 
• If the tear is due to a fall or car accident. 
• If symptoms such as lack of bladder or bowel control appear. 
• Difficulty moving the back or legs. 
• If there is a history of back problems such as a herniated disc. 

Learn the reasons Persistent muscle pain And how to treat it

 ​Causes of muscle tear in the back

A muscle tear in the back can occur suddenly or as a chronic tear. The causes of a tear in the back muscles include the following:

• Sudden and violent movements, such as falling, twisting, or slipping. 
• Direct injuries to the back or car accidents. 
• Incorrect body positions that stress the back muscles, such as sitting or standing for long periods. 
• Exercising vigorously, such as lifting weights, without warming up intensely.
• Weak back muscles. 
• The presence of risk factors that increase the chances of tearing the back muscles, such as advanced age, dehydration, obesity, smoking, and suffering from medical conditions such as arthritis. 

 Symptoms of muscle tear in the back 

Symptoms of torn back muscles vary from person to person based on the cause and severity of the injury, but in general the symptoms include the following:

• Sharp pain in the back area. The pain increases when moving or doing some activities. 
• Muscle spasms in the affected area are involuntary muscle contractions. 
• The area of ​​the muscle tear may appear swollen for several days. 
• Difficulty walking or standing, especially when getting up. 
• Feeling stiff or stiff in the muscles of the affected area of ​​the back. 
• In severe cases, changes in skin color or bruising may appear in the area of ​​the tear. 

Frequently asked questions about treating a muscle tear in the back

How long does the treatment for a muscle tear in the back take?

In general, in most cases of back muscle tears, the healing period ranges between 7-14 days in the case of a mild tear, while recovery in moderate tears takes about a month, and in cases of severe tears, healing requires several months and surgical intervention. 

There are several factors on which the healing time of a muscle tear in the back depends, which are as follows:

• Severity of injury. 
• Location of injury.
• Patient's age. 
• الحالة الصحية العامة للمريض. 
• Adherence to the instructions and doctor’s instructions. 

Is massage useful for muscle tear?

Yes, some research indicates the importance of massage in treating muscle tears, as studies indicate that the massage process eliminates inflammatory cells in the affected muscle tissue, which helps heal faster.

Careful massage helps reduce muscle tension and relieve pain. It also works to improve blood circulation in the affected area, which reduces inflammation, improves flexibility, and reduces stiffness in the affected muscle. 

But it is worth noting that in cases of severe muscle tear or suffering from some diseases such as osteoporosis, massage may worsen the condition, so you must consult a doctor first before undergoing massage. 

Does a muscle tear heal on its own?

Physiotherapists at Al Mousa Specialist Hospital indicate that most cases of mild muscle tears may heal on their own, but moderate and severe cases of muscle tears may require intervention through medications, physical therapy, or sometimes surgery to heal. 

Is hot water useful for muscle tears?

Hot water or warm water compresses are useful in treating muscle tears, but they are not recommended immediately after the injury. They are recommended 2 to 3 days after the injury. 

In the first days of a muscle tear, heat increases inflammation and swelling of the muscle, making the condition worse, but after 72 hours it helps relieve pain, improve blood circulation, and reduce muscle stiffness and spasms. 

In cases of severe muscle tear or suffering from medical conditions such as circulatory diseases, you should consult a doctor first about using hot water or warm compresses. 

In conclusion, after knowing how to treat a muscle tear in the back medically or at home, we at Al Mousa Specialist Hospital provide many distinguished services in the field of physical therapy, which are characterized by high quality and appropriate medical or surgical intervention at the right time. 

You can contact us on our numbers listed on the website for more details, reservations and inquiries. 

Medical references 

Back Strains and Sprains – clevelandclinic

Muscle Strain – webmd