A pulled muscle or tendon is typically the result of overuse, injury, or overstraining during exercising or other activity. Lifting heavy objects or improperly performing lifting exercises or sleeping in an uncomfortable position can result in a pulled back. Often times this means you might have injured or strained one of your back’s muscles or tendons. If this is your case, a visit to the doctor is recommended.
Your doctor will be able to determine the location of the injury and how long you may be without movement before you start physical therapy. It will take several weeks of rehabilitation before you are able to begin any type of exercise regimen. Abdominal exercises are typically part of the treatment plan and may consist of using a low concentration of resistance in order to decrease the tension on the surrounding tissues, strengthening your core muscles to stabilize your midsection, and stretching the surrounding muscles of the abdominals to increase your flexibility. Stretching and strengthening of the abdominal muscles is critical to decreasing your chances of developing a herniated disc or spinal instability. Once your back pain is stabilized, you can begin to work on a more normal and healthy posture to prevent further back pain in the future.
Strengthening your abdominal muscles will also improve your posture and will make it easier for you to regain your normal range of motion after any injury or accident. A pulled back does not mean that you cannot control body weight or balance on a regular basis. All back pain is treatable with exercise and physical therapy. Even if your back pain is temporary, your doctor will let you know that strengthening and rehabilitative exercises will be required to relieve or completely eliminate your symptoms. Your doctor will also let you know that strict guidelines must be followed to maintain your stability and to ensure that your back continues to remain healthy.