Definition

A muscle strain is an injury (partial tear) that damages the internal structure of the muscle. The tearing may be so small that one could only see it with a microscope or the tearing may be severe enough to cause internal bleeding and cause some muscle fibers to lengthen. If the damaged parts of the muscle actually pull away from each other, it is called a muscle rupture.

Muscles of the Back

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Causes

A muscle strain is caused by tension or stress applied to the muscle that it cannot withstand. There are several ways that this can happen:

• Muscle may not be ready for sudden stress
• Tension may be too much for the muscle to bear (eg, lifting a weight that is too heavy for you)
• Muscle is used too much on a certain day

Certain areas have muscles that are more likely to be strained than others including:

• Hamstrings
• Groin
• Back
• Calf

Muscles that cross two joints are at risk.

Risk Factors

A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition. Risk factors for a muscle strain include:

• Athletic activities, especially those with running and jumping
• Tight muscles
• Fatigue
• Overexertion
• Cold weather

Symptoms

Symptoms depend on how you strained the muscle.

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms, your recent physical activity, and how the injury occurred. The doctor will also examine the injured area for:

• Tenderness directly over the muscle
• Pain when contracting the muscle particularly against resistance

Tests may include:

• MRI scan —a test that uses magnetic waves to make pictures of structures inside the body (This is uncommon for most people. Usually this is done with college or professional athletes to determine when they will return to their sport.)
• Ultrasound —a test that uses sound waves to examine the body
• CT scan —a type of x-ray that uses a computer to take pictures of structures inside the body

Treatment

Treatment depends on the severity of the strain and the muscle involved.

Treatment usually includes:

• Rest—Do not do activities that cause pain. If normal walking hurts, shorten your stride. Do not play sports until the pain is gone.
• Ice—Apply cold to the injured area for 15-20 minutes, four times a day for several days after the injury. Do not apply the cold directly to the skin.
• Compression and elevation—This can decrease swelling.
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications—These are often helpful in relieving pain. They can also mask symptoms. If you still have muscle tenderness while taking these drugs, do not return to physical activity. Check with your doctor.
• Heat—Use heat only when you are returning to activity. Then use it before stretching or getting ready to exercise.
• Stretching—When the acute pain is gone, start gentle stretching. Stay within pain limits. Hold each stretch about 10 seconds and repeat six times. Repeat stretching four times a day.
• Strengthening—When a muscle is injured, it becomes weaker because it is not used. You must gradually regain strength. It is best to do this under the supervision of a healthcare professional.

If you are diagnosed with a strained muscle, follow your doctor's instructions .

Prevention

To reduce your chance of straining a muscle:

• Keep your muscles strong so they can absorb the energy of sudden stressful activities.
• After a short warm-up period, stretch out tight muscles, especially previously injured ones.
• Learn the proper technique for athletic activities. This will decrease muscle stress.
• Stop when you are tired. Tired muscles do not function well. They do not react properly to sudden stress.