MUSCLE STRAIN AND SPRAIN - HIDDEN CAUSES OF LOWER BACK PAIN

✅ This article is medically reviewed by MSc, MD, Level I Specialist Nguyen Van Hoang Tam – Orthopedic Surgery, Sports Medicine, and Musculoskeletal Specialist at CarePlus International Clinics. 

💥 Are you experiencing unexplained lower back pain? 

Many people often dismiss it as “just a temporary ache,” but in fact, it may be a sign of muscle strain or sprain – common yet silent causes of lower back pain. 

📌 According to PubMed Central (PMC), under the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH), lower back pain is among the most common disorders and one of the leading causes of functional impairment. Its prevalence worldwide ranges from 30% to 80% depending on the population group and tends to increase with age. 

❗ Typically, mechanical problems and soft tissue injuries are the main culprits of lower back pain. These injuries may include disc damage, nerve root compression, and improper spinal joint movement. Among these, muscle or ligament tears and overstretching—known as strains or sprains—are the most common causes. 

1️⃣ What is a muscle strain? 

A muscle strain occurs when a muscle or tendon is twisted or overstretched, leading to tears. Not only athletes in contact sports are at risk; repetitive movements—such as those in tennis or golf can also cause this condition. 

⚡ The severity of muscle strain can range from mild, to partial tears, and even complete rupture of the muscle or tendon. 

2️⃣ What is a sprain? 

Unlike a strain, a sprain occurs when the ligaments connecting bones are overstretched or torn, often due to trauma such as a fall or impact that forces a joint out of its normal position. 

🔥 Sprains can vary from Grade I (ligament overstretching) to Grade III (complete rupture). 

3️⃣ Common causes of muscle strain and sprain 

Lower back strains or sprains may occur suddenly or develop gradually over time due to repetitive movements. In practice, whether it is a muscle or ligament injury matters less, as symptoms and treatment are nearly identical. 

Common scenarios include: 

🔸 Lifting heavy objects, or twisting the spine while lifting; 

🔸 Sudden movements that place excessive stress on the lower back, such as falls; 

🔸 Poor posture maintained over long periods; 

🔸 Sports injuries, especially in activities involving twisting or high-impact forces. 

Although strains and sprains are generally not serious and rarely cause chronic pain, acute pain can be severe and significantly disrupt daily life. 

👉 If lower back pain persists and does not improve with rest, you should consult a specialist for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. 

✅ At CarePlus, you will be examined by an experienced team of Orthopedic Surgery – Musculoskeletal Specialists, highly skilled in diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal conditions as well as sports injuries. 

✅ CarePlus is also equipped with state-of-the-art diagnostic imaging systems, including MRI and CT scan powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI). These technologies ensure faster scans, greater precision, and high-quality imaging - helping doctors establish accurate and effective treatment plans. 

💡 Don’t let lower back pain disrupt your work and daily life. 

📲 Message our fanpage or call our toll-free hotline 1800 6116 to book your appointment today! 

CAREPLUS INTERNATIONAL CLINICS  

Associate of Singapore Medical Group