What Is the Difference Between a Back Strain and Sprain

The terms "strain" and "sprain" are often used interchangeably. But it's important to know that they are not the same thing. Knowing the difference between a back strain and a back sprain can be crucial as treatment can vary depending on which one you're experiencing.

What Is a Back Strain?

A strain occurs when the muscles are fatigued or overworked, or when a sudden movement puts more stress on the muscle than it can handle. This can cause a partial or complete tear or rupture in the muscle fibres, resulting in pain and inflammation.

A back strain commonly results from lifting, bending, lifting awkwardly or repetitive lifting. The typical strain injury causes pain and tenderness along the injury site and restricted movement of the muscles involved.

A back strain can result when a muscle is not warmed up, causing the muscle to tear more easily. Improper lifting techniques, such as lifting without bending your knees, can also lead to strains.

What Is Back Sprain?

A sprain is caused by a twist or stretch of the ligaments around a joint or in a tendon. This causes the tissues to stretch or tear in some way, causing pain, swelling and tenderness along the injury site.

A back sprain occurs when the ligaments surrounding the joints in your spine become overstretched or overworked.

The most common cause of a sprain is an awkward landing during a sports activity. If these injuries are not treated properly, chronic back pain can result.

How Do You Know Which One You Have?

The pain associated with a back sprain is duller and less localized than with a back strain. Back sprains often result in pain that radiates down both legs, with the pain being more intense on one side. While a strain injury is more localized, with the pain being more intense on one side.

Whereas strains can be resolved in a few days, the recovery period for a back sprain usually lasts between two to six weeks, with symptoms possibly lingering afterwards.

If you have ongoing pain or discomfort after a sprain, you should consult with a healthcare professional to determine whether a more serious injury such as a fracture exists.

Treatment for Strains and Sprains

To recover from strains and sprains, rest is essential to allow the injury to heal. Using ice or heat can also be beneficial to reduce swelling and inflammation.

You should also stretch the muscles on a regular basis to prevent re-injuring yourself. Try physical therapy to rehabilitate the joint or muscle and to stretch the muscles and surrounding soft tissues.

If you have ongoing back pain or leg pain after a sprain or strain, see a doctor to rule out any serious injuries such as a fracture or disc herniation. If you're suffering from a back strain, you may also want to visit a physical therapist for treatment.

If you experience recurring sprain or strain injuries, it may be time to reassess your lifting techniques, as well as your exercise regimen.

Final Thoughts

If you're suffering from back pain, you may be wondering if you are experiencing a back strain or a back sprain. By understanding the difference between these two injuries, you can better treat the injury, allowing you to recover more quickly.

Prevent back reinjury with the help of an assisted stretching service. Stretch Studio is Australia’s first one-on-one assisted stretching service. Having a one-on-one assisted stretch will give you a much better, deeper stretch that feels great as you do it. Book a stretch now!