~A muscle strain happens when the muscle is over-stretched or torn, resulting in damage to the muscle fibers (also called a pulled muscle). A lumbar sprain happens when ligaments are stretched too far or torn. Ligaments are very tough, fibrous connecting tissues that connect bones together.
When the muscles or ligaments in the low back are strained or torn, the area around the muscles will usually become inflamed. The inflammation leads to back spasm, and it is the back spasm that can cause both severe lower back pain and difficulty moving.
Possible Causes:
Lower back pain from muscle strain usually is caused by any type of movement that puts stress on the lower back.
⦁ Sports or Exercise Injuries
⦁ Lifting
⦁ Bending
⦁ Sudden Movements (car accidents)
⦁ Slips or Falls
Symptoms may range from a mild ache to sudden severe pain. Typical symptoms of a lower back pulled muscle may include the following:
⦁ localized in the lower back (without radiation)
⦁ The lower back may be sore to touch
⦁ Muscle Spasms
⦁ Throbbing
⦁ Stiffness
⦁ Sudden onset of pain
⦁ Relief with resting.
⦁ Difficulty walking or standing
Acute pain from a lower back strain can resolve in a short amount of time, but low levels of pain or flare-ups can continue for weeks or months after the initial injury. After two weeks, back muscles can atrophy (waste away) from lack of use and cause more pain.