A muscle strain, also known as a pulled muscle, occurs when a muscle is stretched too far or torn. This can happen due to a variety of reasons, including:
- Sudden forceful movements: A sudden twist, jerk, or fall can overstretch or tear muscle fibers.
- Overuse: Repeatedly using a muscle beyond its capacity, like in strenuous exercise or repetitive tasks, can lead to strain.
- Improper form: Using a muscle incorrectly, such as lifting heavy objects with poor posture, can strain the muscle.
- Poor conditioning: Weak muscles are more susceptible to strain, as they are less able to handle stress.
- Muscle fatigue: When muscles are tired, they are more prone to injury.
- Lack of warm-up: Starting an activity without warming up properly can increase the risk of a strain.
- Underlying conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as muscle imbalances, can increase the risk of muscle strain.
