If you overwork the muscle in your back, or twist too hard, you can overstretch the muscle fibres. This is known as a pulled muscle. You will probably notice pain and swelling, and the area will be tender to the touch. You may even notice redness or bruising.
In the first 48-72 hours after injuring your back you should do as little as possible and rest. Gentle movements and walking are fine but don’t bend down or lift anything from a bent over position during this period.
By this point your back may feel slightly better. It is now time to start moving around more. Making gentle movements, such as stretching forward slowly, can release the tightened muscles. Gentle slow walking can also help work the muscles around your back.
Simple analgesics can be used after injury, most of which can be bought over the counter in shops, supermarkets or pharmacy’s. Examples are:
You may have been prescribed an alternative pain killer, please refer to specific advice for that tablet if this is the case.
Most injuries take 2-3 weeks to recover but can sometimes take up to 6 weeks to be completely comfortable.
You may have been given a follow-up appointment with a back specialist or physiotherapist. It is important that you keep your appointment to make sure your back gets completely better.
If any of the following symptoms occur after back injury, then you must attend your local Emergency Department:
If you have any other ongoing concerns or queries about your back injury you should contact NHS 111 or your local GP.
Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is a smoke-free organisation. You are not permitted to smoke or in use e-cigarettes in any of the hospital buildings or grounds.
