Definition: An injury to the muscles or tendons in the lower back, usually from overuse, improper lifting, or lifting more weight than the muscle can sustain with movement.

Example: Someone throws out their back while moving furniture and experiences sharp pain and muscle spasms for several days.

How a chiropractor helps: Chiropractors use soft tissue therapy, adjustments, and rehabilitative exercises to relax spasming muscles, restore range of motion, and speed up recovery time.