A Chiropractor in Vancouver WA Shares Some First Aid Tips for a Pulled Lower Back Muscle

massage-389716_640Since everyone is different, it is important for you to know that no single treatment option for back pain will work for every patient. That said, today we would like to offer 3 first aid tips that might help relieve pain when you pull a muscle in your lower back.

Our first suggestion is to use cold therapy: Cold is typically preferred over heat for the first 24-48 hours on your muscles because:

  • Cold will reduce the inflammation and swelling around the damaged muscle and can help relieve your pain.
  • Cold will help numb the tissue, providing pain relief similar to local anesthetics.
  • Cold will slow the nerve impulses in the area, hindering pain spasms.

Try to use cold therapy in 20 minute increments a few times each day.

Secondly, we suggest scheduling a massage: If you cannot find a massage therapist last minute, there are some DIY home massage options you can try.

Here are some benefits of massage for your lower back muscle spasm:

  • A massage can increase blood circulation, bringing more healing nutrients to your damaged area.
  • A massage can increase the production of endorphins, which are known as your body’s natural pain-reliever.
  • A massage can lead to relaxed lower back muscles.

Lastly, consider taking a muscle relaxant: In many cases, when inflammation occurs from a pulled lower back muscle, it can cause your muscle to spasm. This is where a muscle relaxant can help, they reduce your overall number of spasm episodes. These can help relieve your pain and improve your mobility.

If you have recently pulled a lower back muscle, another treatment option is to be seen by an experienced chiropractor in Vancouver WA. At A Family and Sports Chiropractic, we will take an individualized approach to helping you recover. Click here to read about our new patient offer.