By: Dr. Robert L. Bard
There may be two kinds of a muscle injury. You many have a sprain (which is the stretching or tearing of the muscle and the tendon) or a strain (which is the stretching or tearing of the ligament).
Also known as Rhabdomyolysis, muscle injury is caused by a breakdown of the fibers in the muscle. This breakdown triggers the release of myoglobin into the blood which can even cause kidney damage.
Also known as Rhabdomyolysis, muscle injury is caused by a breakdown of the fibers in the muscle. This breakdown triggers the release of myoglobin into the blood which can even cause kidney damage.
A muscular strain can be identified by other common household names such as a spasm, cramp or a pulled muscle. These pains are usually associated with the neck, shoulders, and even pain in the lower back.
Causes of Muscle Strain
Muscle strain may be caused by over stretching of the muscle which cause the muscle to tear or cramp. This over stretching can occur as a result of physical exertion. Over exertion may even lead to permanent muscle damage and may even be triggered by daily activities. This may lead to limited and painful movement (Holmes, 2011).
First degree strains such as those caused by a crick in your neck do not usually result in permanent muscle damage.
Second and third degree strains, however, may be caused by high pressure activities such as:
Muscle strain may be caused by over stretching of the muscle which cause the muscle to tear or cramp. This over stretching can occur as a result of physical exertion. Over exertion may even lead to permanent muscle damage and may even be triggered by daily activities. This may lead to limited and painful movement (Holmes, 2011).
First degree strains such as those caused by a crick in your neck do not usually result in permanent muscle damage.
Second and third degree strains, however, may be caused by high pressure activities such as:
- Running
- Reaching with the arms
- Climbing
- Turning the head
- Turning the neck
- Twisting the back
Symptoms of Muscle Strain
Symptoms exhibited as a result of a strain may vary according to the degree of the injury and should be carefully evaluated in order to avoid permanent muscle damage (NYU Langone, n.d.).
First Degree Strains
Typical symptoms which may also be experienced in first degree strain include:
Symptoms exhibited as a result of a strain may vary according to the degree of the injury and should be carefully evaluated in order to avoid permanent muscle damage (NYU Langone, n.d.).
First Degree Strains
Typical symptoms which may also be experienced in first degree strain include:
- Soreness and pain
- Limited and painful movement
- Muscle twitching
- Hard knot
Second Degree Strains
Second Degree Strains may exhibit additional symptoms such as
Second Degree Strains may exhibit additional symptoms such as
- Stiffness
- Weakness
- Blue or black mark
Third Degree Strains
Third degree strains which involve a tearing of the muscle may also exhibit the following symptoms:
Third degree strains which involve a tearing of the muscle may also exhibit the following symptoms:
- Bunched up fibers which can be felt on the skins surface
- Visible bruising due to muscle bleeding
Diagnosis
In case of a muscle injury which may have been caused due to unusual physical activity, its best to go to a physician for a diagnosis. Before diagnosis, the doctor may ask certain questions about your lifestyle at work or at home. In addition, the doctor will want to know when you noticed the symptoms and whether any irregular physical activity was done. Once diagnosed the doctor may suggest rest and placing ice on the strain. Additional treatments may include:
In case of a muscle injury which may have been caused due to unusual physical activity, its best to go to a physician for a diagnosis. Before diagnosis, the doctor may ask certain questions about your lifestyle at work or at home. In addition, the doctor will want to know when you noticed the symptoms and whether any irregular physical activity was done. Once diagnosed the doctor may suggest rest and placing ice on the strain. Additional treatments may include:
- Compression
- Medications
- Heat
- Brace
- Stretching Exercises
- Rotation exercises
- Chin exercises
Some problems may be aggravated over time simply due to incorrect posture. Your doctor may tell you about the appropriate posture which may help avoid future injuries (NYU Langone, n.d.)
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References
Case-Lo, C. n.d. Rhabdomyolysis. Health Line. [Online] Retrieved from <http://www.healthline.com/health/rhabdomyolysis>
Holmes, M., 2011. Bone And Muscle Injuries Can Cause Permanent Effects On Our Health Condition. VS2 Health. [Online] Retrieved from <http://www.vs2health.com/bone-and-muscle-injuries-can-cause-permanent-effects-on-our-health-condition/>
NYU Langone, n.d. Muscular Strain. NYU Langone Medical Center. [Online]. Retrieved from <http://hjd.med.nyu.edu/spine/patient-education/spine-problems/neck-and-arm-pain/muscular-strain>
Web MD, n.d. Muscle Strain. WebMD. [Online] Retrieved from <http://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/guide/muscle-strain >
Holmes, M., 2011. Bone And Muscle Injuries Can Cause Permanent Effects On Our Health Condition. VS2 Health. [Online] Retrieved from <http://www.vs2health.com/bone-and-muscle-injuries-can-cause-permanent-effects-on-our-health-condition/>
NYU Langone, n.d. Muscular Strain. NYU Langone Medical Center. [Online]. Retrieved from <http://hjd.med.nyu.edu/spine/patient-education/spine-problems/neck-and-arm-pain/muscular-strain>
Web MD, n.d. Muscle Strain. WebMD. [Online] Retrieved from <http://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/guide/muscle-strain >
