Essay, Research Paper: Time

A Strained Back



In this report I plan to tell you what a strained back is, how to take care of it, how to prevent it, and how to tell a strain and a sprain apart. I hope that this report is informative enough for you to be able to handle a strained back if it where to occur.
A strain is an injury to a muscle and tendon system. Overexertion causes the fibers that connect muscle to tendons to stretch and sometimes even tear. A "pulled muscle" is actually a strain.
When you strain your back you should use the "ICE" method. The very first thing you do is to apply ice to your back. Ice slows blood flow to the injured area so it will not swell. Next you use compression. Take an elastic bandage and wrap it around your back. A strain to your lower body you would elevate, but it is hard to elevate your back. When you sleep at night, place a board under your mattress for firm support. Experts disagree as to when you should apply heat. Most say to wait seventy-two hours. Heat increases blood flow to the damaged area again. If the strain is severe you should see your doctor.
Lifting with your back usually causes a back strain. Lifting with your back causes your muscles to stretch. There are some simple ways to prevent back strain when lifting heavy objects. First plant your feet firmly apart. When you bend down to pick up an object, squat and keep your back straight. Do not lean over. Make sure you get a good grip on the object. Lift the object slowly. Push up with your leg and thigh muscles. If you are lowering a heavy object, reverse the procedure.
A strain and a sprain are different. As I said earlier, a strain is a stretching or tearing of the muscle-tendon system. A sprain is the stretching or tearing of the ligaments. A simple way to think of it is to say that sprains are injuries to joints and strains are injuries to tendons.
I hope that this report showed you everything you need to know about back strains. If you remember this information it will help you in the future.