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Overview
Types of
Symptoms
Medications
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Risk factors
Related questions
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Conditions
Musculoskeletal conditions
Muscle disorders
Strain

Strain

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Muscle strain, also called a pulled muscle, is a condition where a muscle or its tendon is overstretched and torn leading to pain, decreased range of motion, and swelling.

Dr. Robert Kwok reviewed this

35 year experience in Pediatrics

Is a type of:

Muscle disorders

How long it usually lasts:

Short-term (lasts days to weeks)

How common it is:

Very common
Baby
0-2
Preteen
6-13
Very common
Teenager
14-18
Very common
Young adult
19-40
Very common
Middle-aged adult
41-60
Very common

How it can usually be treated?

Can be managed without a doctor visit

How is it usually diagnosed?

Self-diagnosable

Types of

Repetitive strain injury
Condition

Symptoms

Muscle cramps or spasms
Muscle spasm
Muscle pain
Muscle tenderness
Bruising
Load more

Medications

Ratings show how effective doctors think these medications are at treating Strain
Naproxen
3.7
65 reviews
Ibuprofen
3.5
104 reviews
Meloxicam
3.1
18 reviews
Acetaminophen
2.7
93 reviews
NSAIDs

Other treatments

Rest, ice, compression, elevation (RICE)

Risk factors

Personal

Prolonged bed rest
Long plane rides

Related questions

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How can I strenghten the abs without straining the spine?

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Can shoveling snow cause chest and back strains that last for 3 weeks?

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What are certain types of straining/lifting that would cause epididymitis?

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What to do if i just be straining myself, or are the headaches caused by something else?

1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in

A 19-year old male asked:

What could cause slight pain that feels like its on the surface of my head, when straining?

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A 24-year old male asked:

Which test is needed to identify the specy of a streptoccoccus? Because there are a lot of strains

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A 50-year old asked:

How do other people with chronic illnesses feel and how do you cope mentally with the strain of illness?

1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in

A 21-year old male asked:

Is straining on the toilet dangerous? I feel like light straining before going to the bathroom really helps with my BM.

1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in

A male asked:

Can a past history of epididymitis cause erectal dysfunction ? The cause of the epididymitis was straining to lift a heavy object 40 years ago.

1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in

A 20-year old male asked:

Getting urge but only a bit of narrow or nothing comes out without straining 70% of time not narrow Normal BM daily Had brief pain in rectum 2 weeks?

1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in

A 52-year old female asked:

I have to strain to poo?

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A 35-year old asked:

How can I lift weights without straining my back?

1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in

A 53-year old female asked:

Sometimes I need a little push to get a BM started. Is this considered straining or normal to have to push a little. I don't push during BM.

2 doctor answers • 2 doctors weighed in

A 33-year old female asked:

How long can strain neck last?

1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in

A 30-year old asked:

How to heal an lcl strain quick?

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A 28-year old asked:

Does P90X cause strain to my mcl?

3 doctor answers • 4 doctors weighed in

A 45-year old asked:

How can I relieve my back strain?

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A 34-year old asked:

Fastest way to recover lcl strain?

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A 65-year old female asked:

How long can pain from a back strain last?

2 doctor answers • 2 doctors weighed in

A 32-year old asked:

What are the degrees of sprains and strains?

4 doctor answers • 8 doctors weighed in

A 38-year old female asked:

Neck straining causes headache..Why is it so?

1 doctor answer • 2 doctors weighed in

A 47-year old asked:

Accupuncture -- does it help repetetive strain?

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