Is a pulled middle back muscle serious or common?

Question

Hello doctor,

I just pulled a muscle in my left middle back. It hurts when I move and also when I breathe in. I have taken some Aleve (Naproxen).

Is this a common injury, and does it improve on its own?

Please help.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have gone through your query and understand your concern.

Yes, this is a common issue. Please follow the instructions below for managing back pain:

Instructions for back pain:

Avoid lifting heavy weights.
Avoid arching your back. Instead, bend your knees when picking up something from the floor.
Avoid sitting for long hours.
Avoid riding two-wheelers.
Improve your posture while sitting.
Try to get up from your chair every 20 minutes, take a quick walk, and continue working. Always sit on a chair that provides good back support.
Do not get up suddenly from a lying position. Instead, turn to one side and then rise slowly.
Take bed rest if the pain is severe.
Apply hot fomentation locally over the affected area at least twice daily.
Apply Oxalgin gel to the painful area twice daily.
Medication:

Tablet Pregabalin 75 mg: Take once daily before food at 7 pm for 15 days.
Continue taking Aleve (Naproxen) tablets for 10 days after food.
Tablet Rabeprazole 20 mg: Take twice daily before food for 10 days.
Tablet Shelcal 500 mg: Take twice daily before food for 30 days.
Tablet Vitamin D 60,000 IU (international units): Take once daily for 10 days, then once a month for the next 11 months.

Take these medications only if you are not allergic to them. Do not take them if you have bronchial asthma.

Physiotherapy:

McKenzie back extension exercises.
Back core strengthening exercises.
Gluteal strengthening exercises.
Passive straight leg raising exercises.

These exercises should be done under the supervision of a physiotherapist initially, or you can learn to perform them at home. Begin physiotherapy once the pain reduces. Only regular exercise can bring long-term results.

Once the pain subsides, you can start doing beneficial activities.

Swimming, yoga, and walking.
Avoid jogging, running, and weightlifting, as they may worsen back problems.

This professional advice is based entirely on the information you have provided and is subject to confirmation through physical examination and review of reports or imaging. It should be correlated with clinical findings. Do a follow-up after five days.

I hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Thank you.