Detailed Instructions: Given a passage and a query based on the passage, generate an unambiguous, concise and simple answer to the query from information in the passage. Note that the answer may not be present in exact form.
Q: Another way of knowing you've got a muscle strain is by the location. Muscle strains are much more common in some muscles than others. Every "groin pull" is a muscle strain of one or more of your hip adductors, for instance. You can strain virtually any muscle in your body, but the commonly strained muscles are: the hamstrings Searching for muscle strain is a bit tricky, because "muscle strain" is mentioned in lots of papers that aren't really about muscle strain. But if you cleverly search for the terms "muscle strain" only in titles, you will get, as of 4/14/07, only 61 search results, even less than iliotibial band syndrome (another under-studied condition). Muscle Strain Overview Muscle strain, muscle pull, or even a muscle tear refers to damage to a muscle or its attaching tendons. You can put undue pressure on muscles during the course of normal daily activities, with sudden heavy lifting, during sports, or while performing work tasks. Some of the things that get confused with muscle strains are (and these will all be covered in more detail below): 1 Muscle cramps and spasms (charlie horses) are whole muscle contractions, ranging from uncomfortable to those howling, awful attacks that usually afflict the calves and feet. Typical symptoms of a lower back pulled muscle include some combination of the following: 1 The pain is usually localized in the lower back, meaning that it doesn't radiate into the leg (as in sciatica) 2 The lower back may be sore upon touch. 3 Pain usually comes on suddenly. Though not serious, back muscle spasms can cause significant pain. Inflammation also causes pain. Healing time depends on the severity of the strain. Mild muscle strains usually heal within two weeks. Moderate muscle strains may take six to eight weeks to heal. Prevention of Recurring Back Strain Moderate muscle strains may take six to eight weeks to heal. Prevention of Recurring Back Strain. Many people who experience recurring back pain have weak core muscles - the muscles that support the back. Strengthening these muscles can prevent back strain from recurring, though the time for strength exercises is after the back pain has resolved. Like back strain, back sprains may trigger back muscle spasms. Healing time depends on the severity of the sprain. Most back sprains heal in six to eight weeks but it can take several months for complete recovery from a severe back sprain. To help prevent muscle strains: 1 Warm up before participating in sports and activities. 2 Follow an exercise program aimed at stretching and strengthening your muscles. 3 Increase the intensity of your training program gradually. Never push yourself too hard, too soon. 4 Maintain a healthy body weight. Here're are some easy steps to get you back in the gym or back on the mat, without pain: 1 Rest. 2 Go see a good chiropractor, acupuncturist, or massage therapist. 3 Cupping. 4 Foam Roller. 5 Anti-Inflammatory Diet. 6 Ice. Query: how long for a muscle strain of the back to heal?
A:
Moderate muscle strains of the back may take six to eight weeks to heal.