Back Sprain

A back sprain is a ligament injury. The severity of a sprain can range from mild to severe.

Sudden movements (as in a fall or car accident) can cause injury to the ligaments because the muscles don't have time to react (contract) and keep the spine within its normal range of motion, causing ligaments to stretch or tear.

Acute pain can result from a back sprain. The pain may also gradually get worse over a couple of days as inflammation develops.

Symptoms of minor back sprains (slight tearing or overstretching of a ligament) cause minor back pain and swelling with little or no bruising. Moderate back sprains cause moderate back pain and swelling with bruising. Severe back sprains cause severe back pain, swelling and bruising and make it almost impossible to move. Like back strain, back sprains may trigger back muscle spasms.

Healing time depends on the severity of the sprain. Most back sprains heal in six to eight weeks but it can take several months for complete recovery from a severe back sprain. Ligaments take longer to heal than muscles.