Back Sprain
& Strain
How to Decide if it is a Strain or a Sprain.
In an injury near a joint either the muscle or ligament or both can get injured.
Test for muscle injury / Strain
Test the muscle and observe if there is pain. This is done by contracting or using the muscle while the joint is prevented form moving. If there is pain during the test, then you have muscle injury or strain.
Test for ligament or tendon injury / sprain
Since a sprain is a damage to the ligament or tendon, move the ligament while keeping the muscle totally relaxed by having someone else move the body part. If there is pain during the test, then you have ligament or tendon injury or strain.
If there is pain in both A and B tests you have a combined strain / sprain complex.. It is common to have ligament sprains and muscle strains occurring together, especially in the case of severe falls and motor vehicle accidents. Acute lower back pain from lumbar strains and sprains can lead to irritation of the sciatic nerve and result in pain extending down into the buttock and leg. This is known as sciatica. (See chapter on Sciatica ).
Causes of Stress / Sprain
Risk Factors
