How long does a pulled upper back muscle take to heal?
Given time, most injuries to the ligaments and muscles will heal on their own within six weeks. The key to recovery is staying active, within limits. Most people who try to return to their normal lives as soon as possible find that their ache gradually fades.
How do you fix a pulled muscle in your upper back?
Take an over-the-counter pain reliever such as naproxen (Aleve), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), or acetaminophen (Tylenol). Place an ice pack under your upper back every 2 to 3 hours. Keep the ice on your muscles for 15 to 20 minutes at a time. Ice works best within the first day or so after an injury.
How do you know if you’ve pulled a muscle in your upper back?
Some early symptoms of a pulled back muscle may include2:
- Local swelling.
- Muscle spasms.
- Tenderness when touched.
- Cramping.
- Intense or dull pain.
- Pain with specific movements.
- Tightness or stiffness in the muscles.
- Pain relief in resting positions.
How do you get rid of upper back pain fast?
How To Get Rid of Upper Back Pain
- Take a break. Oftentimes, neck pain is the result of staying in one position too long, such as when working at a computer or looking down at a phone or tablet.
- Exercise.
- Stretch.
- Yoga.
- Change how you sleep.
- Change what you sleep on.
- Use a foam roller.
- Massages.
Should I stretch a pulled muscle?
Should you stretch a strained or pulled muscle? Like we mentioned above, the best thing to do for your pulled muscle is to rest it. Physical Therapist Lewis says “You would want to avoid stretching the muscle for a few days to allow the acute injury to begin to heal.
What does a pulled muscle in back feel like?
Symptoms of a Pulled Back Muscle If you have pulled a muscle in your back, you will probably feel it as a sudden sharp pain when you lift, bend, or twist. The pain can range from mildly irritating to intense and debilitating depending on how badly the muscle is strained.
Should I massage pulled muscle?
Massage. Therapeutic massage helps loosen tight muscles and increase blood flow to help heal damaged tissues. Applying pressure to the injured muscle tissue also helps remove excess fluid and cellular waste products. A 2012 study found that massage immediately following an injury may even speed strained muscle healing.
What is the best way to relieve the back muscles?
Home remedies for fast back pain relief Exercise to get muscles moving. Water exercises can help alleviate back pain. Use heat and cold. Ice packs are most beneficial when a person uses them directly after an injury, such as a strain. Stretch. Apply a pain-relief cream. Try Arnica. Switch shoes. Make workstation changes. Get enough sleep. Manage or reduce stress. When to see a doctor.
How long does a pulled back muscle take to heal?
Pulled Back Muscle Recovery Time. A pulled back muscle can take anywhere from days to weeks to achieve a full recovery. The primary factors in recovery time are the severity of the injury and the treatment approach. A very mild muscle pull can heal in just a few days when rested, but most muscle strains may take four to six weeks to heal,…
What is the best OTC pain medicine for pulled muscle?
Acetaminophen. Acetaminophen is effective because it reduces the chemical signals in the brain that are related to pain that is associated with sore muscles 1.
How do you heal a pulled muscle in your upper back?
How to treat a pulled upper back muscle. Ice and heat therapy: This may be done by simply applying ice to the affected joint to help reduce pain and swelling. Using an ice pack is ideal, but ice cubes in a towel or a bag of frozen vegetables will also do the trick.