Thoracic Or Lumbar Sprain Or Strain

What is a thoracic or lumbar sprain or strain?

The lumbar spine is your lower back. The thoracic spine is your upper back — the area between your cervical spine (neck) and lumbar spine.

Strains are injuries affecting muscles and tendons (connective tissues attaching muscles to bones). Sprains are injuries affecting the ligaments — tissues connecting the bones in your joints.

Therefore, a thoracic or lumbar sprain or strain is a muscle, tendon, or ligament injury in your upper or lower back.

What causes thoracic or lumbar sprains or strains?

Sprains and strains occur when you stretch a muscle, tendon, or ligament too far. The fibers are elastic, but if they come under too much pressure, they can elongate, tear, or completely rupture, causing mild, moderate, or severe injuries.

Common causes of thoracic or lumbar sprains or strains include sports injuries, falls, and lifting awkwardly. Chronic injuries usually result from prolonged, repetitive movements that continually overstress the back.

You’re more likely to suffer a thoracic or lumbar sprain or strain if you have abnormal spinal curvature (kyphosis, lordosis, or scoliosis). Excess body weight, weak abdominal or back muscles, and tight hamstrings can also increase your risk of back strains and sprains.

How is a thoracic or lumbar sprain or strain treated?

Strain and sprain treatments are similar. Rest the injured area, use ice packs to prevent swelling, and take an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drug like ibuprofen to reduce inflammation and pain. Using compression bandages or a back support can also be beneficial.

Long-term immobility doesn’t help, so it’s best to gradually return to your usual activities. However, you should avoid anything that irritates the injured tissues while they heal. If these treatments don’t resolve your thoracic or lumbar sprain or strain within a few days, visit SEPA Pain and Spine.

What can help with severe thoracic or lumbar sprains and strains?

Physical therapy and therapeutic massage can be very helpful with sprains and strains. You might also benefit from orthobiologics — treatments that use cells from your body or a healthy donor to promote natural healing. For example, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) contains high concentrations of growth factors that can accelerate tissue repair and regeneration.

If you have severe inflammation, steroid injections can help. They deliver powerful anti-inflammatory drugs right into the injured tissues.

For help with severe or persistent thoracic and lumbar sprains and strains, call SEPA Pain and Spine today or schedule a consultation online.