If the pain in your lower back leaves you writhing in discomfort, it could be a strain in one of your ligaments. Ligament strain is one possible cause of intense low back pain. Without treatment or the appropriate diagnosis, ligament strain can become increasingly worse with time. Learn more about ligament strains and how to regain the use of your lower back below.

How Can a Ligament Become Strained?

Your back contains a wide range of important soft tissues, including ligaments. Ligaments allow two neighboring bones to connect together in the body, including in the lower spine, or lumbar region. The ligaments in your lumbar region should allow very little movement in the spinal bones in this area. However, people who are very active in life may inadvertently stretch (or pull) the ligaments beyond their capacities. Overstretched ligaments may eventually tear as well. The stretched or torn ligaments are called ligament strains.

Stress is one of the biggest causes of ligament strains in the lumbar region. Lumbar stress occurs from many things, such as bending from the waist instead of the knees all the time, or it can occur during heavy lifting or pregnancy. Using poor posture when you work at a computer lab can also cause stress on the lower back ligaments. All of these actions can eventually lead to inflammation in the low back region.

Spasms, swelling, and other symptoms of inflammation are common problems associated with ligament strains. The symptoms can be significant and linger in some people, and they can be minor or short-lived in other individuals. No matter how long, short, or intense your low back pain is, it's important to treat it quickly.

How Do You Soothe a Strained Ligament?

There are many ways to soothe or treat a strained ligament. But to find the treatment that works best for you, you'll need to have a professional assess your injury. The assessment can help rule out things that may or may not require additional treatment, such as spinal bone inflammation and infection.

If your pain stems from a pulled or overstretched ligament, a professional may place a brace around your lower back to help stabilize it. Some people only require rest and good nutrition to heal thoroughly. A doctor will often request dietary assistance from a nutritionist during treatment.

Medications, such as neurotransmitters and blockers, may be of great help to severe back pain sufferers. Doctors generally inject the medication near the nerves in the affected tissue. Nerve tissue can become exceptionally inflamed or sensitive over time. If specific types of medication can be an effective way to soothe your low back pain, a physician will discuss it further with you.

In addition to medication, some people find relief from ligament pain through exercise. Light exercises like yoga may help improve flexibility in your back without aggravating your ligaments or muscles. However, it's a good idea to speak candidly with a back pain specialist about your options. Some exercises may not be appropriate for you during the beginning stages of your treatment.

Finally, be sure to take time to rest your body during the healing phase. Getting enough restful sleep at night can allow your injured ligaments to heal better. A doctor may make various suggestions on how you can improve your nightly sleep during your treatment. You may need to change your sleeping position to avoid aggravating or placing additional tension on your lower back. You may also consider buying a full-body sleep pillow to stabilize your body at night. If you need help changing your sleep routine or position, speak to a doctor immediately.

If you think your lower back pain is due to a strained ligament, contact a pain management doctor for an appointment today.

For more information on back pain treatments, contact a doctor.