Strain means overstretching of your muscles and ligaments while doing different daily activities. Back and neck strains are widespread issues across all age groups. These strains can be very painful and can interfere with your ability to perform normal daily activities.
Pathophysiology
Back and neck strains occur when the muscles are overstretched or overused. This may happen while working, due to bad posture, or from other activities where you are excessively stretching your tendons and muscles.
Back and neck strains can co-occur due to underlying disease, due to issues with posture, or as a result of injury.
Causes
Several different issues can lead to neck and back strains. Common reasons for these strains are heavy weightlifting, improper ergonomics, injury, repetitive motion and new types of exercise
These strains can also be due to injury or any disease affecting muscles, ligaments, or vertebral bones.
Treatment
Back and neck strains are prevalent, and almost all ages are equally at risk of suffering from these strains.
Treatment of such strains is necessary to avoid prolonged pain or lack of function.
Common medications used for the treatment of back strains include:
- Over-the-counter drugs for pain such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen. These medications work to reduce the inflammation associated with strain, which then reduces pain.
- Topical pain relievers such as pain patches and sore muscle rubs
In cases of more severe pain, a medical provider can prescribe more potent anti-inflammatories. In some cases, muscle relaxants may also be useful.
Besides these pain medications, several other techniques are used for pain relief. These are as follows:
- Ice or heat therapy
- Maintaining range of movement through gentle stretching
- Massage or acupuncture
- Physical therapy
If back or neck pain is not improving over time, consultation with a medical provider may be necessary to rule out more serious issues. Facial abrasions and considered more serious as these have a higher risk of cicatrization and should be cleaned,debrided, and dressed daily. Dressings may require skin adhesives like the combination of gum mastic, styrax,alcohol, and methyl salicylate or tincture of benzoin.
Contact us
In case of urgent medical care assistance, AfterOurs Urgent Care offers immediate telemedicine services, where medical providers are available to offer assistance. Anyone who experiences signs and symptoms requiring urgent medical attention can simply book their appointment with AfterOurs Urgent Care to directly talk to an expert. If your medical issue is not appropriate for telemedicine, we will let you know and refer you to an in-person facility.
When to visit a doctor:
If you are feeling severe pain in your neck and back, you should see a medical provider in order to avoid possible serious complications.
Treatment for back and neck strains is available at AfterOurs Urgent Care.