Muscle Strains

A muscle strain refers to overstretching or tearing of a particular muscle or the tendon that attaches the muscle to the bone. Muscle strains are also referred to as pulled muscles. Most people experience muscle strains at some point of time in life but muscle strains are more prominent among people who are involved in sports activities or other types of strenuous exercises. Muscle strains occur during moments when tightening of muscles occurs forcefully. Such a strain occurs because the muscle was not properly stretched before the activity or because the muscle was too weak or already injured. Muscle strains also occur if heavy objects are lifted. Muscle strains are ordinarily followed by a feeling of burning sensation in the injured region or the concerned person may feel as if something has popped. Sometimes muscle strains are also accompanied by bruising or swelling in the area. Strained muscles may experience spasms where involuntary and sudden contraction can occur and this can cause severe pain. Diagnosing of muscle strains is done by examining the area and certain tests such as x-rays may also be conducted so that possibilities of injury to the bone can be ruled out. Following is a brief list of major types of muscle strains:

Lower Back muscle strain
Muscle strains are often common reasons for lower back pain. If the muscle fibers are stretched abnormally or torn then the lower back muscle experiences a strain. Almost everyone experiences lower back muscle pain from time to time. Lower back muscle strain may be accompanied with muscle spasm in the lower back region. The pain occurs following activities and is usually relieved after some rest.

Mid Back muscle strain
Middle back pain usually occurs as a result of some sudden injury of the muscle or due to overexertion. A muscle strain in the middle back can occur when the muscles or ligaments in that region are stretched abnormally. If a single trauma causes the strain in the back region then the pain from this is usually felt around one to two days after this injury. Such a pain may last for around ten days. Some reasons for mid back muscle strain includes maintenance of poor posture, standing or sitting for long periods etc. If mid back muscle strain is caused because of poor posture then this pain develops over a period of time and is not sudden in its onset. With age, problems of pain in middle back region may be frequently experienced.

Abdominal muscle strain
Abdominal muscle strain is also called as abdominal muscle pull and in this injury the abdominal wall muscles are stretched too far. Following this the fibers of the muscle often tear and in severe cases the muscle may rupture from the attachment. The muscles in the abdominal wall include rectus abdominis that cover the front of a person’s belly. Internal and external oblique wrap the side areas on the body. Following an abdominal muscle strain sudden pain can be felt in the injured area and the concerned individual may find it difficult to flex the muscle. Bruising and swelling of the muscle may also occur. The discomfort and pain following an abdominal muscle strain may extend from mild to severe pain and bruising that may limit a person’s activities.

Rhomboid muscle strain
The rhomboid muscles are located in the upper back region. These connect the inner edges of the shoulder blades to the spine of a person. Rhomboid muscle strain can occur due to excessive use of shoulder blades and spine. Rhomboid muscle strain or spasm may feel like tightness within the muscle and the pain may be felt when the shoulders are moved or when the person breathes. Such a strain may be caused while doing certain activities like putting objects on high shelves or during sports activities like serving while playing tennis, rowing etc. Poor posture can also cause a rhomboid muscle strain.

Thigh muscle strain
A thigh muscle strain often occurs in certain sports like football. This is because kicking is a continuous activity in football. A thigh muscle strain occurs following a tearing within the quadriceps group of muscles. These muscles are located in the front portion of the thigh. Thigh muscle strains are classified as first, second or third degree strains depending on the severity. Symptoms of thigh muscle strain include sudden and sharp pain within the thigh, pain when the thigh is stretched and pain in thigh following resisted contraction of the muscle.

As a general rule muscle strain treatment is done following the RICE procedure. This treatment includes rest, ice, compression followed by elevation of the injured area. Ice packs are required to be used at regular intervals during the first few days following the injury. Ice packs are beneficial because ice results in constriction of the blood vessels and this in turn reduces the inflammation and pain in the injured area. Doctors also prescribe anti inflammatory medication so that the swelling reduces. Activity should be avoided during the period of recuperation and rest and physical therapy should be followed so as to ensure a speedy and full recovery. To prevent muscle strains it is advisable that warming up exercises are done so as to ensure that the blood circulation in the muscle improves and the muscle is prepared for the exertion.