What is QI Back & Spine Clinic?

QI Back & Spine Clinic is a team of medical professionals who are dedicated to diagnosing & treating severe, chronic or acute back and spine conditions by non-surgical methods. Diagnosing the root cause of back and spine conditions is always the first step in medicine. We use a multi-disciplinary approach to accurately diagnose the cause of back pain because the more accurate the diagnosis, the more precise the treatment. We believe that it is essential to reverse the underlying cause of back pain and not just temporarily suppress the symptoms.

How do you diagnose the root cause of back pain?

An accurate diagnosis is critical as 85% of back pain cases are termed ‘non-specific’. Your back pain can be due to a neurological, systemic, structural or mechanical dysfunction. We are amongst the first to use a diagnostic approach that covers all these aspects. We use non-invasive technology that isolates the spinal structure. The controlled guided movements test and measure the strength and mobility of the spine. We can therefore identify the root cause of your back pain and prescribe further course of treatment.

What technology do you use? Is it non-invasive?

The machines we use are non-invasive biofeedback devices. They hold and support your body in fixed positions and then measure your functional ability during movements. They allow us to get a clear understanding of your spinal muscle tissue.

Who are QI spine specialists?

Our spine specialists are doctors with a specialisation in spinal disorders post a 4-year clinical degree in physical medicine or physiotherapy. They are specialists in the prescription of mechanical medical movements. Their expertise is dedicated to the reversal of spinal disorders and to promote mobility & function.

Lower Back Muscle Strain Treatment, Causes & Diagnosis

Lower Back Muscle Strain Symptoms

The common symptoms of lower back muscle strain typically include the following:

Dull, achy lower back pain
Pain that is contained in the low back
Pain that intensifies with movement
Local tenderness and inflammation
Stiffness in the lower back
Restricted range of motion
Difficulty standing or walking
Pain relief on rest, which is temporary and intensifies on getting up to move again.
Muscle spasms and cramps

Professional diagnosis required
Chronic, can last for years
Treatable with 4 weeks of QI Spine Therapy

Lower Back Muscle Strain Causes

Lower back muscle strain is the most common cause of low back pain. The lower back is more susceptible to muscle strain and sprain as it supports the weight of the upper body and is involved in twisting, moving, and bending.

Lower muscle strain is caused when muscle fibers are abnormally stretched or torn while a lumbar sprain is caused when ligaments are torn. Both of them result from a sudden injury or develops gradually due to overuse.

As the muscles are torn due to overstretching, they become weak and may not be able to hold the bones of your spinal column. The spine becomes less stable and results in low back pain.

Some of the lower back muscle strain causes are as follows:

Extreme physical exertion
Bending repeatedly
Sudden impact
A fall
Lifting heavy items
Poor posture

Professional diagnosis required
Chronic, can last for years
Treatable with 4 weeks of QI Spine Therapy

Lower Back Muscle Strain Treatment

Lower back muscle strain can be painful but it heals mostly on its own with time. The initial lower back muscle strain treatment consists of self-care measures listed below that can be done at home.

Ice therapy – Apply ice to your back (affected area) for 20-30 mins every 3-4 hours to reduce pain and swelling. Ice helps in reducing inflammation.
Heat therapy – After 2-3 days of icing, you can apply heat once the initial swelling has gone down. Heat pack increases blood circulation which enhances healing and also relieves tension from strained muscles.
Physical therapy – Try to stay active and don’t take complete bed rest. Complete bed rest might worsen the pain. Consult with your doctor about which physical activities are safe to do. Consider short, frequent walks to keep your spine healthy.
Over-the-counter medicines – Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can help you in reducing inflammation and pain. Sometimes, muscle relaxants may also be prescribed by your doctor.

How QI Treats Lower Back Muscle Strain?

With the help of DSA, the spine specialist will recommend lower back muscle strain treatment aimed to target the weak and affected muscles. After an in-depth evaluation, the spine specialist may suggest physical therapy and medical movements specific to reduce pain and also strengthen your weaker muscles. You may also be advised a few movements or exercises to continue even after recovery to maintain good spine health.

Lower Back Muscle Strain Prevention

You can prevent lower back muscle strain with the help of a few tips mentioned below: -

Stop in case you feel any pain while doing any physical activity.
Take it easy for a few days if you experience lower back pain within a day of your workout.
Keep exercising and stretching regularly to get back in your shape.
Sleep on your back or your side but do avoid sleeping on your stomach.
While lifting a heavy object, bend at the knees and not at the waist.
Always maintain a good, healthy posture.

When To Call A Spine Specialist?

You should seek immediate medical care if you face any of the below symptoms along with back pain: -

Severe abdominal pain
Loss of bowel/bladder control
High fever

Professional diagnosis required
Chronic, can last for years
Treatable with 4 weeks of QI Spine Therapy

Professional diagnosis required
Chronic, can last for years
Treatable with 4 weeks of QI Spine Therapy

Lower Back Muscle Strain Diagnosis

Your physician shall check your medical history and also conduct a physical examination to diagnose muscle strain in the lower back.

Medical history includes detailed information about current symptoms, their onset, exercise levels, sleep habits, and previous medical problems.

Imaging tests are usually not required unless pain persists for over 6 weeks. If needed, some imaging tests such as x-rays, CT scans, MRI may be recommended.

How QI Diagnoses Lower Back Muscle Strain

A spine specialist will check your past medical records. The physical examination will be done to check your range of motion and flexibility in the low back as well as in the hip, pelvic, or hamstring muscles. Nerve root irritation may also be assessed.

A DSA (Digital Spine Analysis) test may be done to find out the specific muscle that has been injured or affected.