What are Lower Back Strains and Sprains?
A lower back strain is a pulled or partially torn lower back muscle. A lower back sprain occurs when a weak or stiff ligament is pulled or partially torn. There are three grades of lower back strains and sprains: Grade one – a mild strain or sprain pulls muscles or tendons but you suffer no loss of strength in the back. Grade two – a moderate strain or sprain tears some of the fiber in muscles or tendons and diminishes strength in your back. Grade three – a severe strain or sprain ruptures muscles or tendons, disconnecting the attachment to the vertebrae, which makes back movement difficult. Your lower back is made of the five largest bones in the spinal column, called lumbar vertebrae. These five vertebrae run from the bottom of the chest cavity to the hip joint, and bear the majority of your body’s weight and stress. Muscles and ligaments, which are susceptible to strains and sprains, attach to the lumbar vertebrae. They provide the mobility for your back to bend and twist and the st
