Effective Ways to Heal a Pulled Back Muscle Overnight
Experiencing a pulled back muscle can be significantly limiting, causing a lot of discomforts, especially with movement. This misfortune can rapidly transform your normal routine into an agonizing endeavor. Regardless of whether you’ve overextended yourself at the gym or lifter something heavy wrong, a pulled back muscle can be both painful and inconvenient.
However, you don’t have to live with the pain for an extended period. There are several effective treatments you can use to heal a pulled back muscle overnight and return to your normal routine as quickly as possible.
Rest Your Body
Rest is paramount when healing a pulled back muscle. The initial period after the injury is the most vital and resting your body can greatly help with reducing the inflammation and pain.
Hot and Cold Therapy
Alternating between hot and cold therapy can be very helpful. Cold therapy is most effective within 48 hours of the injury, to numb the pain and reduce inflammation. You can use an ice pack wrapped in a cloth to protect your skin. Follow this with hot therapy using a heating pad to relax the muscles and promote blood flow, offering faster healing.
Over-the-counter Painkillers
Over-the-counter painkillers can be used to manage the pain. Non-prescription drugs like Ibuprofen not only help with pain relief but also reduce inflammation. Always ensure you follow the dosage instructions on the packaging to avoid complications.
Topical Painkillers
In addition to oral over-the-counter painkillers, topical pain relievers can be an effective adjunct treatment. Best muscle cream for pain such as creams, gels, and sprays containing active ingredients like menthol or camphor provide fast and targeted relief.
Stay Hydrated
Water plays an important part in muscle repair and recovery due to its role in nutrient transfer and toxin removal in the body. Make sure you stay hydrated when dealing with a pulled back muscle.
Use a Support Belt
Providing extra support to the back can significantly aid in the healing process and pain management. A back support belt can help stabilize the muscles and prevent further strain.
Consult a Professional
If your pain is severe or persistent, it may be best to consult a health professional. They can provide a rehabilitation plan that includes gentle exercises and stretches to improve muscle flexibility and strength gradually. They also might recommend physical therapy or other interventions.
Most importantly, prevent future back muscle strains by warming up properly before physical activity, maintaining good posture, and adopting a regular exercise regime to strengthen and stretch your back muscles.
Remember, while these tips can significantly expedite the healing process of a pulled back muscle overnight, some injuries may require more time to heal fully.