Treatment for Pulled Back Muscle: 6 Therapies That REALLY Work
What’s the best treatment for pulled back muscle injuries? Pulling a muscle in your back can stop you in your tracks—whether it happened while picking up a heavy bag, twisting too quickly, or simply getting out of bed the wrong way. A strained back muscle can be painful, limit your movement, and interfere with your daily routine. Fortunately, with the right care, most pulled muscles heal well and can be prevented from recurring.
If you’re looking for the most effective treatment for a pulled back muscle, this guide covers the top causes, symptoms, and natural therapies available—especially those offered at our clinic near Denver, Arvada, and Wheat Ridge, CO.
What Is a Pulled Back Muscle?
A pulled back muscle—more accurately called a muscle strain—happens when muscle fibers are overstretched or torn. This can result from sudden movements, poor lifting form, overuse, or even long hours of sitting with bad posture.
Muscle strains can occur anywhere along the spine, but they are most frequently felt in the lower back, which supports much of the body’s movement and weight.
Common Causes of Back Muscle Strain
Understanding what triggers a pulled muscle can help prevent future injuries. Common causes include:
- Improper lifting technique
- Twisting motions during sports or exercise
- Poor posture, especially while sitting
- Weak abdominal or stabilizing muscles
- Repetitive activities or overtraining
- Sedentary lifestyle and lack of stretching
Back strains can affect anyone, but they’re especially common in adults who sit for long periods or don’t regularly engage in core strengthening exercises.
Signs You Need Treatment for Pulled Back Muscle
Wondering if that pain in your back is a strained muscle or something more serious? Typical symptoms of a pulled back muscle include:
- Sharp or aching pain in a specific spot
- Tightness or limited mobility
- Muscle spasms
- Pain that increases with movement
- Tenderness to the touch
- Temporary relief with ice, heat, or rest
If your pain is accompanied by numbness, tingling, or radiating symptoms down the leg, it may be more than just a muscle strain—such as a disc or nerve issue—and should be evaluated by a professional.
Pulled Back Muscle: What to Do First
If the injury just happened, there are a few simple things you can do at home as treatment for pulled back muscle during the first 48–72 hours:
- Rest lightly—avoid intense activity but try to keep moving gently
- Apply ice for 15–20 minutes several times a day
- Switch to heat after the initial inflammation calms down
- Use NSAIDs like ibuprofen if tolerated
- Avoid activities that strain or twist the spine
These strategies often help reduce inflammation and speed early healing. But if the pain persists, worsens, or becomes a recurring issue, professional care is the next step.
Professional Treatment for a Pulled Back Muscle
At our Denver-area clinic, we offer natural, non-invasive treatments that relieve pain, restore movement, and strengthen the body to prevent re-injury. Our treatment for pulled back muscle blends chiropractic care with soft tissue therapies for fast, long-lasting relief.
1. Chiropractic Adjustments
Back strains often result from or lead to poor spinal alignment. Gentle chiropractic adjustments correct these imbalances, improving posture and reducing unnecessary muscle tension.
Benefits of chiropractic for pulled muscles:
- Eases pain quickly
- Promotes better mobility
- Improves circulation and healing
- Prevents recurring injuries
Patients often report reduced pain and greater ease of movement after just a few sessions.
2. Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a proven treatment for pulled back muscle pain. Using ultra-fine needles placed at strategic points, this treatment:
- Boosts blood flow
- Triggers endorphin release
- Relieves muscle tension
- Calms the nervous system
It’s especially helpful for acute injuries and can be used alongside other treatments for a more complete recovery.
3. Dry Needling
Dry needling is an excellent treatment for pulled back muscle, targeting specific knots or “trigger points” within the muscle. It’s especially effective for stubborn or recurring muscle tension.
It helps:
- Release tight muscle bands
- Improve flexibility and strength
- Relieve referred pain and spasms
- Speed up recovery time
This technique is often paired with chiropractic adjustments for optimal results.
4. Electroacupuncture
This therapy combines traditional acupuncture with gentle electrical stimulation for deeper treatment for pulled back muscle pain.
Benefits of electroacupuncture include:
- Enhanced blood circulation
- Decreased inflammation
- Muscle re-education for better function
- Stronger pain relief
It’s ideal for more complex or recurring back muscle strains.
5. Cold Laser Therapy (LLLT)
Cold laser therapy uses low-level light to accelerate tissue repair. It’s completely painless and highly effective for soft tissue injuries and another excellent treatment for pulled back muscle discomfort.
LLLT helps:
- Speed up healing
- Reduce pain and inflammation
- Increase collagen and cellular energy
- Restore flexibility
It’s a great option for patients looking to heal faster without relying on medication.
6. Shockwave Therapy
Shockwave therapy is an advanced technique that uses sound waves to stimulate healing in deep tissues.
This treatment works especially well for:
- Long-term muscle tension
- Scar tissue from old injuries
- Poorly healing muscle strains
It helps break up adhesions, improve blood flow, and reactivate the healing process in stubborn cases.
Healing Time for a Pulled Back Muscle
Recovery depends on the severity of the strain:
- Mild strain: 1 to 2 weeks
- Moderate strain: 2 to 4 weeks
- Severe strain: 6 weeks or longer
We tailor each treatment plan to the individual—taking into account your job, activity level, goals, and the nature of your injury.
How to Prevent Another Pulled Muscle
After recovering, the goal shifts to prevention. Our team will help you:
- Strengthen your core
- Improve posture and spinal mobility
- Avoid repetitive strain
- Warm up and stretch properly
- Make ergonomic improvements at home or work
Maintenance visits and corrective exercises can go a long way toward keeping you injury-free.
Local, Experienced Care in Denver, Arvada & Wheat Ridge
If you’re in the Denver metro area and searching for the best treatment for a pulled back muscle, we’re here to help. Our integrated team combines chiropractic, acupuncture, dry needling, and advanced therapies under one roof to speed healing and support your long-term wellness.
We offer:
✅ Convenient same-day appointments
✅ Decades of combined clinical experience
✅ Personalized care plans
✅ Digital x-rays and on-site therapy
✅ A compassionate team who listens
Begin Treatment for Pulled Back Muscle Today!
Ignoring back pain can lead to chronic tension, compensation patterns, and future injuries. The sooner you start care, the faster you’ll feel better and get back to your normal routine.
If you’re dealing with the pain and frustration of a pulled back muscle, schedule your visit today. We’re proud to serve patients in Denver, Arvada, and Wheat Ridge, CO, and we’re ready to help you feel your best—naturally.