what are the treatments for a lower back strain

[kungfumaster]

I was doing bang arm and then you have to try to pull the other person off balance i guess i got whiplash in my lowerback. and my back is very strained its fine when i sit down but when i move it really hurts. its definetly a strain. would i ice it? heat it ive tried both not sure wich is better. ive also took some pain killers i have aspirin tylenol and ibprofen any advice would be apereciated.

[tommarker]

Heat before activity, ice afterwards. Stretch. Lots of stretching. Ab and lower back exercises to restrengthen your "core."

 

And dont do anything stupid until it feels better.

[GrrrArg]

^ Sounds good but I would have a doc check it out if you haven't already, thats what their there for after all.

[Martial_Artist]

chiropractic care. you'll never go back.

[ninjanurse]

In most instances, you should always ice an injury for the first 48 hours to reduce the swelling that occurs with acute injuries- including lower back strains. Heat will only increase the acute swelling and will make recovery longer. The general rule is rest and ice for 48 hours then heat as tolerated with gentle stretching of back muscles after. Back extensions are a good exercise to do once the acute injury and swelling are gone. If you do not get better after 3-5 you should see a physician or chiropractor.