What Happens When You Throw Your Back Out?
Throwing out your back can be sudden and painful, leaving you unsure of what just happened. At Sport & Spine Physical Therapy, we know how confusing this can be. This guide is here to help you understand what it feels like, recognize the symptoms, and learn what to do next. We’ll cover the sensations, how to find quick relief, and when it’s time to see a professional.
What Does It Feel Like to Throw Your Back Out?
Throwing out your back usually means a sudden, sharp back pain due to a muscle or ligament strain. It happens when these tissues get overstretched or torn, causing pain and making it hard to move. The pain can be mild or very intense.
Common causes include lifting something heavy the wrong way, sudden movements, or twisting awkwardly. People who sit a lot, have bad posture, or are overweight are more at risk. Getting older also makes you more susceptible because muscles and bones naturally weaken over time.
It’s important to know the difference between a muscle strain and other back problems like herniated discs. Each condition needs different treatments, so identifying the right issue is key. At Sport & Spine Physical Therapy, we focus on diagnosing and treating various back issues to help you get back to your daily life without pain.
Signs of a Thrown-Out Back
If you’ve thrown out your back, you might feel a sudden, sharp pain that can stop you in your tracks. The pain is often in your lower back and can feel like stabbing or shooting. It might also spread to your buttocks or thighs, making it hard to move.
You might also experience muscle spasms, where your muscles tighten and knot up, adding to your discomfort. Stiffness is common, too, making it difficult to bend or twist.
How long and how bad the symptoms are can differ for everyone. Some people feel better in a few days, while others might have pain for weeks. This often depends on how bad the strain is and how quickly you address it. At Sport & Spine Physical Therapy, we create tailored treatment plans to help ease your symptoms and speed up your recovery. Our team is ready to help you regain movement and improve your quality of life.
What to Do Right After You Throw Out Your Back
The pain of a thrown-out back can be scary, but knowing some quick first aid can help ease the pain and stop further injury. First, stop what you’re doing and avoid sudden movements. Lie down on a firm surface with your knees bent and feet flat to reduce spine pressure.
Rest is important for the first 48 hours. While it might be tempting to try to keep going, limiting movement helps your muscles and ligaments heal. But don’t stay in bed for too long, as this can cause stiffness and slow recovery.
Using ice packs on the painful area can reduce swelling and numb the pain, especially in the first day or two. Wrap the ice in a towel and use it for 15 to 20 minutes every hour as needed. After the swelling goes down, switch to heat therapy to relax your muscles and improve blood flow. Use a warm towel or heating pad for 15 to 20 minutes for comfort.
When to See a Doctor
Knowing when to see a doctor is important if you throw out your back. If the pain is severe or doesn’t get better with rest, or if it spreads down your legs, you should seek medical advice. If you feel numbness, weakness, or tingling, it’s important to see a healthcare professional. These could mean nerve issues that need immediate attention.
Ignoring a thrown-out back can lead to long-term pain, less mobility, and even permanent nerve damage. Getting help early can prevent these problems and improve your recovery. At Sport & Spine, our team offers personalized treatment plans for both new and long-term back issues. Click here to request your appointment.
