Lumbar Sprain

Lumbar Sprain Consequences

The crucial function of your lower back makes any injury to this part of your spine potentially serious. If you suspect a lumbar sprain, consult a pain management specialist for immediate diagnosis and treatment. Reasons to seek immediate treatment for a lumbar sprain include:

• Debilitating pain;
• An inability to maintain proper posture;
• Temporary sciatica symptoms;
• An inability to do daily activities;
• A major cause of disability;
• A lowered quality of life;
• Persistent muscle spasms when you’re moving or resting;
• Back stiffness;
• Joint instability.

Without proper treatment, the sprain can lead to additional consequences, such as:

• Spinal stenosis;
  
• Sacroiliac joint dysfunction;
• Severe nerve pain, known as radiculopathy;
• Long-lasting damage to the nerves;
• Obesity;
• Sleep disorders;
• Chronic back pain;
• Muscle fatigue;
• Depression.

Treatment for Lumbar Sprain

If it’s caught early and if the pain isn’t debilitating, your pain doctor may recommend rest, ice and over-the-counter pain relievers. Physical therapy helps you learn proper stretching and strengthening exercises that help ease your discomfort and prevent future sprains. Return to regular activities slowly to moderate your recovery and prevent your symptoms from returning.
If your diagnosis reveals a more severe lumbar sprain, treatments may include:

• Anti-inflammatory medication;
• Physical therapy, such as pelvic traction, massage, and electrical muscle stimulation;
• Short-term prescription pain medication so you can participate in physical therapy successfully;
• A brace over the affected area;
• Corticosteroids injections with cortisone and prednisone to reduce inflammation;
• Trigger point injections for lower back pain;
• Plasma-rich platelet therapy (PRP) for lower back pain relief;
• Injection-based treatment, such as prolotherapy.

If you’re struggling with lower back pain that’s new or comes on suddenly, especially after a car accident or sports injury, you may have a lumbar sprain. Get a proper diagnosis as soon as possible from the pain specialists at Redefine Healthcare in New Jersey. Contact the pain doctors today and get back control of your life with modern pain management methods.