Soft Tissue Injuries (Lower Back)

Soft tissue injuries occur when an injury to the back damages muscle, tendons, ligaments or nerves. Other terms for soft tissue damage include sprains and strains. Both of these terms refer to the tissue stretching beyond normal.

This stretching can be caused many ways but in an accident the force of the fall or crash can cause hyperextension or hyperflexion. The excessive movement can cause muscles, ligaments and tendons to tear.

Symptoms

The symptoms of a soft tissue injury include:

• Back pain
• Pain in the upper buttocks
• Low back muscle spasms
• Muscle weakness
• Pain that increases with activity and decreases with rest

The above list is intended as a guide to soft tissue damage. If you are in any pain or concerned about your health please contact a doctor. There are several signs of a severe back injury that you should been seen for immediately. These signs can indicate a serious back injury and include:

• Loss of bladder or bowel control
• Increasing weakness of the lower extremities
• A loss of sensation below or at the site of injury

Diagnosis

The best tool a doctor has in diagnosing your soft tissue injury is you. The doctor will ask you many questions relating to your injury and your symptoms. It is important that you disclose all information regarding your pain and the accident that lead to the injury. In addition, your health care provider will perform a physical examination. If the injury is severe an X-ray or MRI may be necessary.

Treatments

Treatments for sprains and strains in the back start conservatively. The first step will be rest and the use of ice packs, warm compresses and pressure. An anti-inflammatory drug such as Motrin may be recommended.

The first 24 to 48 hours are crucial for healing your back. However, resting for longer than a day or two can lead to delays in recovery and prolonged symptoms.

Therefore after the initial rest period most physicians recommend back stretching and strengthening exercises. If the injury is severe, massage therapy, physical therapy or ultrasound therapy may be needed.