Torn muscle fiber in the back
definition
A ruptured muscle fiber is an injury to the muscles that ruptures individual parts of the fiber, but not the entire muscle. Usually several muscle fibers of the same muscle fiber bundle tear at the same time. A torn muscle fiber is usually always accompanied by a visible hemorrhage in the affected area.
A distinction is made here between intra and intermuscular bleeding.
The intramuscular bleeding bleeds locally into a muscle fascia without the blood being able to spread further. This compresses the corresponding muscle area, so that movement is restricted for several days afterwards. In contrast to intermuscular bleeding, intramuscular bleeding can be seen directly at the affected area.
However, the intermuscular bleeding is a little further below, since the blood between ("inter“) Individual muscle groups flows. The swelling is rather limited here, as the volume can be well distributed.
Causes of a torn muscle fiber in the back
The ruptured muscle fiber is often a sports injury, as only heavy loads can tear a single fiber portion. Actually, larger muscle groups, such as those found on the thighs or legs, are mainly the calf muscles, affected by such an event. Nonetheless, it can also lead to a torn muscle fiber in the back. However, this is far less common.
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A ruptured muscle fiber occurs when a muscle is extremely stretched by strong and sudden stress. The individual muscle fibers consist of many Myofibrilswhich guarantee contraction via other small functional units and only tolerate a certain degree of stretching and compression. Muscle fiber parts in the transition area to a tendon are often affected.
In addition to the sudden overload, the risk of a muscle fiber rupture can increase in the long term due to incorrect or insufficient warm-up and non-physiological movement sequences or incorrect exercise. The fatigue aspect of the muscles and the fact that a person is generally less able to stretch should also be considered as the cause of a torn muscle fiber.
The back muscles, in particular, are often not trained enough and often not used. Continuous irritation can ultimately cause the tolerance threshold to be exceeded and a muscle fiber to tear because it can no longer withstand the stress. Lifting heavy objects by simply pulling them up instead of crouching is a classic movement that involves tearing a muscle fiber.
Symptoms of a torn muscle fiber in the back
The classic symptom is the pain that occurs at the same time as the muscle fiber tear occurs. The pain is characterized as stabbing to pulling and is often compared to a "whip" or a "knife stab from behind in the back". The intensity of the pain can vary depending on how many muscle fibers are torn. Compared to the pain of a muscle strain, that of a muscle fiber tear is stronger (muscle fiber tear versus muscle strain - what is the difference?). If it is a small muscle fiber tear, it is not uncommon for those affected not to notice it at all.
Not only does the pain intensity vary with the number of muscle fiber tears, but also the failure symptoms. If a small part of a back muscle is torn, the functionality can be completely retained. However, if the muscle fiber tear is almost similar to a muscle tear, it is quite possible that the affected person will have difficulty inserting the muscle because the contractility is no longer guaranteed.
After the muscle fiber tear, a slight swelling or dent forms at the torn area and a slight inflammatory reaction occurs.
This article might also interest you: Symptoms of a hamstring torn
Pain when torn muscle fiber in the back
The pain of a torn muscle arises acute a. They are often called knife prick and are usually associated with limited mobility and muscle weakness. In addition to this sharp pain, there is usually also tenderness to pressure, as well as pain when stretching and tensing the muscle. It is a pain that can be easily localized by those affected. The more fibers are affected by the muscle fiber tear, the more pronounced the pain is.
Torn muscle fiber of the back extensor
A torn muscle fiber in the back extensors is very uncomfortable because the back extensors are involved in most of our daily movements. The back extensors are a group of muscles that are responsible for straightening the spine, as well as rotating and tilting it to the side. A torn muscle fiber of the back extensor can result from abrupt stooping or lifting from an awkward position. As with all muscle fiber tears, the so-called PECH rule also applies to a muscle fiber tear. The affected person should definitely take it easy and give his muscles time to regenerate.
Diagnosis of a torn muscle fiber on the back
The diagnosis of a torn muscle fiber is relatively simple, as the patient can usually explain the reason and the course of the tear. On the basis of clinical symptoms such as pain, swelling, bruising and a slight reduction in contractility of the affected muscles, the doctor often makes the diagnosis of a torn muscle without further diagnostic assistance. If in doubt, an ultrasound diagnosis can be made in addition to the detailed anamnesis discussion and physical examination.
Therapy of a torn muscle fiber on the back
If there is a ruptured muscle fiber, it is important to immediately stop moving and straining the affected muscles. Then you should cool as quickly as possible. The sooner it is cooled, the better the chances of recovery. In the case of a torn muscle fiber, the so-called "PECH therapy" is also useful.
PECH is an abbreviation for 4 measures to be taken in the event of a torn muscle fiber: P stands for break, E for ice, C for compression and H for elevated position. This means that immediately after the muscle fiber tear, the patient should be immobilized - i.e. pausing the activity. Afterwards, it is important to cool with ice packs or ice spray to reduce swelling and reduce inflammation, followed by applying a compression bandage to prevent further bleeding. Finally, the affected structure should be elevated, ideally above heart level.
If there is a torn muscle fiber on the back, the last two measures are less likely to be implemented. Depending on which fiber parts of a back muscle are torn, a compression bandage can sometimes be applied. Since the back is not an extremity that can simply be elevated, this point does not apply in the event of a torn muscle fiber on the back.
In addition to torn muscle fibers, strains, bruises and ligament strains can also be treated with PECH therapy. In general, PECH therapy is the first measure that can alleviate symptoms such as pain, inflammation and swelling, but has no direct influence on immediate healing. It only optimizes the starting conditions.
The healing process can take 3 to 12 weeks. During this time it is important to take care of the muscle, as it is more prone to a new muscle fiber tear if it is damaged. In principle, conservative therapy is sufficient and those affected have to wait patiently and only then get used to the muscle again through light stress. Kinesio tapes can help relieve the affected muscle area and strengthen the neighboring muscles.
Read more on this topic at: Back contusion after a fall, therapy for a torn muscle fiber
Taping a torn muscle fiber on the back
A torn muscle fiber on the back can be taped to support healing. The taping process is only to be viewed as a support for other treatment (PECH rule). The treatment has not been scientifically proven, but shows good results in many patients. target of Kinesotaping is to relieve the muscles, in this case the back muscles, and to relieve tension. If there are symptoms of a torn muscle fiber in the upper back, three tapes are usually stuck on. Two tapes to the left and right of the thoracic spine and the third horizontally at the level of the middle of the first two tapes. The middle should represent the maximum pain point.
For taping, the patient assumes a hunched position with a hunched back so that the back muscles are stretched to the maximum. If the lumbar spine is affected by a torn muscle fiber, the tapes are often affixed in a star formation (four tape strips). In this case, the maximum pain is in the middle of the star formation.
More information can be found here: Taping a torn muscle fiber
Duration of a torn muscle fiber in the back
The duration of a torn muscle fiber on the back is individual for each patient and depends largely on the severity of the injury. The more fibers are affected by the muscle fiber tear, the longer the healing process takes place. In general, however, it can be said that every muscle fiber tear, whether on the back or the calf, heals within a few weeks. Therefore, the recommendation also applies that those affected should take a break from exercising for about three to six weeks. You should then slowly test again whether it is possible to put pressure on the back without pain.
More information can be found here: Duration of a muscle fiber tear
