When we were younger, it felt like we could bounce back rather quickly from injuries. As we get older, we are more prone to longer stretches of pain from something as simple as falling asleep in the wrong position, as well as chronic pain and discomfort we didn’t have in our youth, even without a serious injury requiring a hospital visit.
While many causes of chronic pain and discomfort can be traced back to our spinal column and how our nervous system reacts to stimuli, it’s not the only possible source. Soft tissue damage is another culprit, and it takes time to recover from. Two common soft tissue injuries are a sprain and a strain. So, what’s the difference between the two?
How Can I Tell If It’s a Sprain or Strain?
Recognizing whether you’re dealing with a sprain or strain can be difficult. A sprain is when a ligament is overstretched or torn. These injuries often happen from quick movements, making them common sports injuries. They are common in the:
- Ankles
- Knees
- Wrists
A strain, however, is when a muscle or tendon is overstretched or torn. These injuries commonly affect the:
- Hamstring
- Back
- Calf
- Quadriceps
- Rotator cuff
Is a Sprain Worse Than a Strain?
Both sprains and strains can be equally mild or severe. You would be better off experiencing a mild version of either. That said, strains can lead to muscle spasms, which can be painful and make day-to-day tasks more difficult.
If you are experiencing a mild sprain or strain, it’s still important to rest. Do not take a mild injury lightly and go about your day as usual, or healing may take much longer and cause the injury to become more severe.
Can a Chiropractor Fix a Strain?
Chiropractic care casts a wide net and includes several treatment types to help people recover faster and more efficiently from their injuries. For a strain, massage therapy could be a great option. Additionally, there are several chiropractic exercises that would be helpful as well. A chiropractor can best recommend treatment after an initial in-person consultation.
Total Chiropractic Care Can Help You Recover Faster from a Wide Range of Injuries
Chiropractic care may not be the first thing that comes to mind when considering how to recover from injuries related to soft-tissue damage, but recovering from those kinds of injuries is something that chiropractic care excels at. Total Chiropractic Care has more than 25 years of extensive experience treating injuries through a multi-pronged, comprehensive approach.
Whether your injury stems from overexertion or repetitive movement during workouts, work, or daily life, Total Chiro can help restore your range of motion, recommend the best stretches, provide spinal adjustments, and more. Schedule your appointment and take the first step towards a more comfortable life.