Back Strain

Areas of chronic back strain develop certain patterns of pain. This can help with pain relief by using methods to address the areas of muscle strain directly and by modifying some behaviors.

Direct pressure to the areas of back muscle strain can be used with one or two fingers to apply a steady tolerable pressure for a minute or two. Then use similar pressure while performing a circular movement with your fingers for another minute or two. Typically, the location of these areas on the back are difficult to reach. You may use a tennis ball while lying on the floor or with your back against a chair, have someone do it for you, or try using devices that are designed specifically for the treatment of these back strain areas like the back massager, cane massager, neck and back massager, posture curve or the backtivator seat cushion are great tools to avoid strain.

In the following examples, the "X" is the area of back muscle strain and the focus of where to apply pressure, while the red dots are areas of discomfort associated with the points and help to identify the areas. Click on the pictures to enlarge for a better view.

The quadratus lumborum is a muscle that runs along the lower back on either side. Low back pain is the most common symptom with involvement of this muscle and it can be quite troublesome. You may not be able to turn over in bed or be able to stand the pain of standing being upright or walking. Coughing or sneezing can be very painful. The pain from this back muscle can often be mistaken for a pinched nerve in the back.

Pain is often reported as a persistent, deep, aching pain while at rest that is worse when sitting or standing. Motion of the lower part of the body may cause a sharp "knifelike" pain and the severity of pain may be totally immobilizing and emotionally distressful. Forward bending is restricted and there is difficulty in turning or leaning to the opposite side of the muscle strain involved and climbing stairs can be painful.

Relief from back pain is often sought by lying on the back or side. Sitting and standing may be made more tolerable by unloading the weight of the upper half of the body from the lower back. Push down with the arms against the arm rests of a chair or place the hands on the hips and press in and down. Back support belts or back brace may help to reduce the strain on the muscle and help stabilize the low back, however, long term use beyond a few weeks would tend to weaken the muscle and be counterproductive.

Strain of the quadratus lumborum muscle can be caused by awkward motions and through trauma, such as a motor vehicle accident. Awkward lifting of a heavy load like a TV set or child, or quickly bending when the body is twisted or turned to one side to pick up an object can cause back strain, so always make sure you think about safe lifting techniques to help prevent back strain. Additionally, leaning to one side and bending forward when getting up from a deep seated chair, low bed or car seat can strain the back. Another common cause of back strain is putting on pants while standing, bending and leaning sideways, or losing balance as the feet become tangled in the clothing. The muscular strain of the near fall can be avoided by sitting down to put on socks, pantyhose, pants, ect., or by leaning against a wall to keep balance.

Strain of this back muscle is also seen in motor vehicle accidents when the impact is from the driver's side and from behind as in a whiplash accident. Sustained or repetitive strain from activities such as gardening, scrubbing the floor or walking on slanted surfaces can also be causative.

Chronic strain of the quadratus may also result from a bed that is too soft or sleeping on one side with the hips rotated (a supportive body pillow can correct this), leaning over a desk with poor elbow support, standing and leaning over a low sink or work surface, and carrying a wallet in your back pocket where it raises one side of the pelvis when sitting - remove wallet from back pocket or use a front pocket wallet.

Other factors may cause chronic irritation and strain of this back muscle includes skeletal factors such as a short pelvis on one side, short upper arms, or a short leg on one side, which should be addressed professionally if suspected. If the pain is more when standing and/or walking, suspect a short leg and if more when sitting suspect short arms or short pelvis on one side. A clue to a short leg is standing with one foot forward and the weight on the back foot (short side) or standing with feet wide apart and hips shifted to one side (short side).

A good stretch for the muscle is illustrated on the right side. Lay on your back with the hips and knees bent. Place hands behind the head to elevate the ribcage. Cross the left leg over the right thigh. Allow the right leg to relax and move towards the left side without forceful pressure from the left leg. Then inhale deeply as your left leg resists a gentle pull from the right leg back to the right. Then exhale and relax the right leg allowing the left leg to gently pull the right thigh to the left and slightly down. In small increments, repeat the inhale and exhale procedure to stretch further. Remember to go slow and do not exert alot of force. When done, release the right leg and return to the initial position and relax before getting up. This method uses isometric contraction to enhance the effectiveness of the stretch.

Another stretch for the muscle is the hip-hike exercise to maintain active range of motion throughout the muscle. This is performed alternately by first lowering on hip away from the shoulder while elevating the hip on the other side to that shoulder, and then reversing sides. The tilting motion of the pelvis stretches the quadratus on one side and then the other. Perform slowly while inhaling as you elevate the hip on the injured side and breathe out while lowering it. As you progress, bend your knees and have your feet flat as you perform these for additional stretching.

Remember to take it slowly with these stretches as overstretching can also cause back strain. Perform them slowly and gradually over a period of weeks using correct breathing technique.