Lumbar sprain

This is an injury that can affect the spine. This trauma more specifically affects the ligaments in the lower back.

This lesion is likely to affect the surrounding tissues, whether muscles or vertebrae. In case of lumbar sprain, inflammation can occur in these tissues, which causes pain and muscle spasms. These signs can occur both during physical exertion and at rest. The lumbar sprain can be serious or not depending on the person.

Common symptoms of a lumbar sprain

Lumbar sprain is often manifested by the following signs:

• The lower back is sore very suddenly. The back may be blocked and the person’s mobility is reduced. Sometimes this pain is localized in the thighs and buttocks.
• The affected muscles are stiff. As a result, the back is no longer flexible, since the ligaments are stretched or partially torn. Stiffness of the muscles frequently occurs when waking up in the morning or when leaning forward.
• The lower back undergoes mild inflammation. The latter usually produces swelling in this area.

Factors of a lumbar sprain

In general, obese or overweight people, smokers and sedentary people are more at risk of back problems. The stage of severity of a lumbar sprain changes depending on its cause:

• A false movement: the person stood up in an inappropriate way after lying on the floor or during intense physical activity (sports, moving, etc.).
• Improper positioning: The spine may be positioned following a misalignment of the vertebrae, which can cause pain in the lower back. It is therefore necessary to adopt a good posture on a daily basis so that the spine remains aligned with the pelvis.
• A fall or an accident: the shock can affect the lower back and causes pain in the lower back.
• Repetitive physical exertion: when the lumbar spine is very stressed on a daily basis, the risk of lumbar sprain becomes high.
• Genetics: Some people are more prone to back problems because of their family history. Heredity therefore plays a role in assessing lumbar strength.
• An untreated herniated disc: this condition worsens by being continued by a lumbar sprain.

What precautions should be taken against lumbar sprain?

An unhealthy lifestyle can cause low back pain. Therefore, changing certain habits can prevent or even treat low back pain.

The following solutions limit the risk of lumbar sprains:

• Frequent position change: Do not sit in the same position for hours, as an inadequate position can be difficult to correct. Break your rhythm by getting up from time to time and set up your desk so that it is ergonomic enough.
• Smoking cessation: smoking weakens the intervertebral discs, which can cause premature wear of the discs. This results in various back problems, except to mention a herniated disc or lumbar sprain.
• The practice of physical activities: do not fall into a sedentary lifestyle to spare your back.
• Adopting good posture in bed: do not neglect your posture when sleeping. Prefer to sleep on your back or side to avoid lumbar twisting.

Contact our physiotherapists to treat you!

Lumbar sprain can be treated in different ways. At Physio+ Hamel, you are supported by a team of professionals. They carry out an assessment and the establishment of an adequate treatment to better address your lumbar problems.