How to Rehabilitate a Ruptured Back Muscle

Back injuries are very common, especially with people who are out of shape. Many people suffer sprains or strains due to overstretching or overexertion. A sprain is a tearing the ligaments, a strain is an injury to the muscle. Sprains and strains can range from a minor tearing of the tissues to serious ruptures. A ruptured back muscle is a serious injury that requires immediate medical attention, and often a lengthy process of rehabilitation.

Things You'll Need

• • Ice
• • Immediate Medical Attention
• • Rest
• • Physical therapy
• • Massage therapy

Instructions

First Steps

1. Ice it downImmediate first aid is vital to recovery form a ruptured muscle. If you have injured a back muscle and there is swelling in the area, apply ice to the area as soon as possible. This will help to reduce swelling and relive pain in the injured area. Ice should be used for the first two to three days after the injury

2. Get to an emergency roomFor any injury more serious than a minor sprain or strain, get immediate medical attention. A ruptured muscle or torn ligament is a serious injury. You need to have an examination by a doctor, and possibly X-rays to determine exactly how extensive the tearing is, and how the injury is best treated.

3. Once the doctor has looked you over, he will more than likely prescribe rest for several days or even a couple of weeks. Heed the doctor’s advice. Do not attempt to exert yourself or use the injured muscle unnecessarily, as this can aggravate your injury.

4. HeatStarting two to three days after an injury, your doctor will probably recommend using a heating pad to relieve pain. Heat also opens the blood vessels, bringing blood flow to the area. This will help speed the healing process.

5. Physical TherapyOnce your injury has healed sufficiently, your doctor will send you to a physical therapist. The therapist will have an array of tools to aid you in your recovery. She may make use of hydrotherapy, heat or cold treatments, and stretching and strengthening exercises. After an injury is healed, you should do whatever exercise the physical therapist prescribes. Rest is vital during the healing process, but afterwards, you need to get your muscles moving to prevent them from going into spasm.

6. MassageAs soon as your doctor says it’s okay, find a good massage therapist who specializes in sports or injury massage. Deep tissue massage can help restore flexibility to the muscle tissues. It will also well as break up scar tissue. This will help restore mobility to the injured area.

Tips & Warnings

• Final Tips and Warnings

• A ruptured back muscle is nothing to play around with. If you have injured your back and there is swelling and any difficulty standing or walking normally, get ice on it and then get immediate medical attention. What you do immediately after the injury can make all the difference to your later recovery.

• Once the initial injury has healed, make sure you exercise, but don't strain the muscle. Take care to follow your doctor's advice. Rehabilitation of a ruptured muscle takes time, and it also takes proper care.