How to Identify Muscle Ruptures in the Back

This illustration shows the back muscles most susceptible to ruptures and tears.

Muscle ruptures in the back are usually the result of trying to lift something that is too heavy. A rupture occurs when a muscle actually tears due to some kind of strain. These generally occur in the lower back and may be signified by a sudden, sharp pain while you are trying to pick up something heavy. In this article, we will discuss how to identify muscle ruptures in the back.

Things You'll Need

• Wall-mounted mirror

Instructions

How to Identify Muscle Ruptures in the Back

1. 

   Place your hands behind your hips in the center of your lower back. This is the area where muscle ruptures in the back generally occur.

2. 

   Apply gentle pressure to the lower back area. Stop if you feel discomfort or pain. This is likely due to a muscle rupture in the back.

3. Stand with your back to the mirror. The mirror should be large enough that you can look over your shoulder and see your entire back. Examine the lower-back area for swelling or bruising. If you see any, this can be indicative of lower-back muscle ruptures.

4. 

   Bend over as if you were going to pick something up off the floor. If you have trouble bending forward or to the sides, stop your attempts to lean over. You likely have injured your back muscles, and this injury is causing you limited mobility.

5. 

   Call your doctor and inform her of your likely muscle rupture in the back. Muscle ruptures in the back can require extensive rehabilitation and get much worse if they are not treated immediately. Contacting your doctor is the quickest way to get on the road to recovery.