Large Transport; Low Wing; 2 Turbojet Eng
Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP)
Flight Crew Type 5975
Other / Unknown
Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Illness / Injury; Inflight Event / Encounter Weather / Turbulence
Air Traffic Control Issued New Clearance; General Physical Injury / Incapacitation
Weather
From CA-NV border to occurrence (and beyond Front Range) we experienced light-occasional moderate chop/turbulence which required multiple altitude changes in order to provide the best ride possible (Weather brief had forecast a mostly smooth ride with a patch of light over southwest CO). Seat belt sign had been on since beginning of flight. I also had made a PA announcement to the cabin explaining the ride (Bad at all alts) and to re-check S/B for security. Just prior to event we were at FL350 and from all info; the best ride was at FL270; which we requested. ATC descended us to FL310 due to traffic below. Ride quickly went from light-moderate to moderate to severe at which point I made the PA per FOM; for the F/As to be seated immediately. I also immediately requested ATC for lower ASAP due to severe turbulence. Severe turbulence lasted approximately 1/2 to 1min. ATC soon complied and assigned FL290 where the ride went to intermittent light chop. I then checked with the F/As and they reported no injuries and no damage except that one F/A had maybe pulled a muscle in her upper back in her movement to sit down in the aisle; but otherwise felt ok. I asked to keep me posted if there was any changes. ATC asked if there had been any injuries and I replied in the negative. I then reported the incident to Dispatch and Maintenance. I made a MX LOG entry. I spoke to the F/A directly about her condition and she said it felt a little worse. I asked if she wanted to file an injury report but it would have to be her decision because only she could determine her condition at this time. I also asked if she felt she could continue her duty for the remainder of the flight. She replied that she could but that she would file a report after arrival. I then reported this info to dispatch. Flight continued normally to the destination where we were met by 3 inflight managers and MX for a short de-brief.
[Report narrative contained no additional information.]
Air carrier flight crew reported moderate to severe turbulence over Utah. A Flight Attendant might have pulled a muscle.