3 Differences in Sprains and Strains & How Chiropractic Can Help

As chiropractors, we experience strain/sprains on a regular basis. We also often get the question, what is a strain.sprain? What is the difference? How did I get it?

Sprains and strains are injuries that occur to parts of the musculoskeletal system. These conditions, which are very common, are often mixed up. Read on as we discuss the difference between these two and show you some of the best ways to treat them.

1. Sprains and strains afflict different parts of the body.

The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIH) indicates that a sprain is a stretch or tear of a ligament while a strain is a stretch or tear of a muscle or tendon in the area.

2. Sprains and strains are most often caused by different actions.

Since sprains and strains happen on different structures, they are caused by different actions. Falling or twisting the wrong way typically causes a sprain, because the movement forces a joint into an awkward position and ends up stretching or tearing the ligament. Sprains can be caused by twisting an ankle, falling down the stairs, or trying to catch yourself on an icy walkway are all ways to end up with a sprain.

Strains often result from overexertion, trauma, or repetitive movement. Activities such as lifting an item that is too heavy, jumping into an exercise routine that is too strenuous, or performing repetitive movements in either a sport or work are ways to end up suffering from a strain.

3. Sprains and strains generally affect different areas of the body.

According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, ankle sprains alone number around 2 million each year. Ankles, wrists, knees, and fingers are all areas that are frequently sprained.

Strains, on the other hand, commonly occur in the back, shoulder, or hamstring, as both of these areas are affected by overexertion or repetitive movement.

Although sprains and strains are different injuries, they do have some similarities. This is most likely why people get them mixed up.

Similarities between sprains and strains

Symptoms

Common symptoms between them include pain, swelling, and limited movement at the injury site. The pain can range from moderate to intense and often depends on the severity of the injury. Sprains and strains both benefit from ice packs, rest, and elevation.

Healing

Most diagnosed strains and sprains heal on their own with time, but a serious tear can require surgery to repair. With both injuries, it’s important to visit a doctor if an individual experiences severe pain and swelling, and decreased mobility.

Chiropractic care

Chiropractors can work wonders on the neck and back, but chiropractic care can assist in lessening the impact of a strain or sprain injury, too. Chiropractic treatments promote healing of the injured area as well as help strengthen the areas around the injury to decrease the chance of future injuries.

Any injury, including strains and sprains, can impact our lives and affect our activities of daily life. Regardless if you are an athlete or a regular person doing yard work, it’s vital to take steps to avoid sprains and strains in the first place.

A good stretching program, as well as good old fashioned common sense regarding overexertion, can help prevent strains. Take pains to clear walkways and stairways to avoid falls or sudden twisting movements to decrease the risk of sprains.

If you end up with a strain or sprain, contact us for a consultation. We have extensive experience in working with patients suffering from sprains and strains.

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