Acute Muscle Strain

Acute muscle strain is a common cause of low back pain after exertion, and without neurological deficits (numbness, weakness, or changes in the knee or ankle reflexes). The vast majority of the general population will have acute back pain at some time in their lives. More than 90% resolve without any specific treatment and in less than 2 weeks. No clear cause of the pain is typically found in “back strain.” The most important aspect of muscle strain is to make sure it is acute muscle strain and not a medically emergent condition. Focal spinal tenderness, fever, weight loss, or loss of bowel or bladder (incontinence) may be signs of an impending disaster and one should see their doctor.