Feelings of back stiffness may be a subjective protective construct of the mind, rather than reflecting objective biomechanical properties of the back.
Sprains and strains are similar in nature. When a ligament or joint capsule is torn, it is termed a sprain; when a muscle is torn, it is termed a strain.
The SIJ is subjected to a great deal of physical stresses both from below and above. A sacroiliac joint injury can be inflammation, sprain, and/or strain.
Four of the most common causes of tight muscles of the low back (or anywhere in the body) are: overuse, splinting, adaptive shortening, and overstretching.
Manual therapy treatment for low back muscle tightness involves hot and cold hydrotherapy, soft tissue manipulation, stretching, and joint mobilization.
For a low back strain / sprain, because the muscles of the low back are so large and powerful, the first goal of manual therapy is to reduce the spasming.
A low back sprain and strain present a similar clinical picture. The client/patient will have low back spasming and pain, which will increase with motion.
The two most common causes for a low back sprain / strain are macrotrauma and repetitive microtraumas, often involving bending and lifting.
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