Muscle strain and low back pain

The majority of episodes of acute lower back pain are caused by a muscular strain (such as from
lifting a heavy object, a sudden movement or a fall). Even though this doesnt sound like a serious
injury, the low back pain can be very severe and last for several hours, several days or even a couple
of weeks.
When the muscles in the back are strained or torn, the area around the muscles can become
inflamed. With inflammation the muscles in the back can spasm and cause both severe lower back
pain and difficulty moving.
Healing from acute low back pain
Fortunately, muscle strains usually heal with time (a couple of days or weeks) because muscles in
the low back have a good blood supply to bring the necessary nutrients and proteins for healing to
take place.
However, an episode of low back pain that lasts for more than two weeks can lead to muscle
weakness (since using the muscles hurts, the tendency is to avoid using them). This process leads to
disuse atrophy (muscle wasting), and subsequent weakening, which in turn causes more low back
pain because the muscles are less able to help hold up the spine.
Exercise helps prevent acute low back pain
As a general rule, people who are active and well-conditioned are much less likely to suffer from
low back pain due to muscle strain, as regular exercise stretches the muscles so they are less likely
to strain, tear or spasm.
There are three types of muscles that support the spine:

Extensors (back muscles and gluteal muscles)

Flexors (abdominal muscles and iliopsoas muscles)

Obliques or Rotators (side muscles)

While some of these muscles are used in everyday life, most do not get adequate exercise from
daily activities and tend to weaken with age unless they are specifically exercised. A complete
exercise program for the low back should consist of a combination of stretching, strengthening, and
aerobic conditioning.