Causes of Lumbar Muscle Strain

Written by Na Hong Wei
Orthopedics
Updated on September 27, 2024
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Lumbar muscle strain is actually a chronic inflammatory injury of the muscles in the lower back and their attachment points, fascia, or periosteum. It is one of the primary causes of lower back pain. As for its causes, there are generally two: the first being chronic strain; the second is improper treatment of acute lumbar trauma, which then becomes prolonged and turns into chronic lumbar muscle strain. Starting with the first cause, it mainly arises from long periods of bending over during work, putting the lumbar muscles in a constant state of tension, then leading to the compression of small blood vessels and ultimately causing insufficient oxygen supply to the muscles and poor elimination of metabolic substances, which then stimulates local inflammatory injuries. So, this is the main reason. Generally, in the early stages, the muscles are still in a compensatory adjustment phase, but as the condition progresses, they can no longer adjust, resulting in a series of compensatory adjustments, leading to lumbar muscle strain and ultimately causing back pain and restricted lumbar mobility. Thus, the primary causes of lumbar muscle strain are two-fold: the first is long-term chronic overload of the lumbar region, causing inflammation. The second is improper treatment following an acute lumbar sprain or trauma, which eventually leads to chronic lumbar muscle strain. There are essentially these two reasons.

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Written by Na Hong Wei
Orthopedics
1min 19sec home-news-image

How to assist in the examination of lumbar muscle strain?

How should lumbar muscle strain be assessed through auxiliary examinations? What auxiliary examinations are needed for lumbar muscle strain? Clinically, lumbar muscle strain is quite common; out of every ten people, at least two or three have it. The characteristic of these patients is that their symptoms are severe but their physical signs are mild. Therefore, when encountering such patients, a screening process is generally required, which involves a method of exclusion. After examination, an X-ray is usually taken first to check for obvious lumbar spondylolisthesis, the severity of bone hyperplasia, and any traumas, whether fresh or old, that might have caused vertebral fractures. Then, some people might need a CT scan, which aims to exclude lumbar disc herniation. Many patients do not have herniated discs, or only have slight bulging, but their symptoms are severe, making them restless. Generally, there is no need for an MRI, but some patients strongly request an MRI examination. After the MRI, sometimes high-density shadows can be seen in the muscles of the lower back, which might be caused by injuries within these muscles. Therefore, the auxiliary examinations for lumbar muscle strain are usually negative, with few positive findings, which is a characteristic of this condition.

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Written by Na Hong Wei
Orthopedics
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Lumbar muscle strain physical therapy methods

After a lumbar muscle strain, physical therapy is a very important treatment method, and when properly handled, it is greatly beneficial to the recovery of the condition. Physical methods include: First, physical therapy should be applied to the area of pain, primarily involving appropriate massage and manipulation. Second, after the acute phase, local heat application can be used, such as wrapping a hot water bottle with a towel. Third, iontophoresis with medications can be applied to the painful area, which is a crucial aspect of treating lumbar muscle strain with traditional Chinese medicine and herbs. Fourth, treatment with microwave or ultrasound can also be conducted. Generally, it is believed that ultrasound therapy has a very good effect on lumbar muscle strain. Finally, acupuncture or traditional Chinese medical traction can also be performed, which usually has a very good effect on lumbar muscle strains.

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Written by Cheng Bin
Orthopedics
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Where does lumbar muscle strain hurt?

Under normal circumstances, for patients suffering from lumbar muscle strain, the pain is mainly located on both sides of the waist, primarily manifesting as soreness. This soreness becomes more pronounced especially after walking excessively, sitting or standing for long periods, or bending over to lift heavy objects. The usual treatment involves advising the patient to rest as much as possible and to wear a lumbar support belt to protect the waist. Additionally, treatment can include medications such as oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs, and drugs that promote blood circulation and remove blood stasis. Moreover, for such patients, some physiotherapy methods can also be combined, such as acupuncture, massage, traction, massage, electric heat treatments, and cupping. Gradually, the patient will recover.

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Written by Guan Yu Hua
Orthopedic Surgery
1min 14sec home-news-image

How long should I take off work for a lumbar muscle strain?

Lumbar muscle strain often occurs when engaging in heavy physical labor. For instance, swinging a heavy hammer or bending over for strenuous tasks, as is common for carpenters and roofers. Such occupations involve considerable effort from the lumbar region with frequent movements, and prolonged work can easily lead to local muscle congestion and exudation, stimulating surrounding nerves and blood vessels leading to strain. Generally, after finishing such activities, one may experience lumbar discomfort and stiffness the next morning, where the lumbar region feels stiff like a board, making movement painful. Movement can alleviate the pain somewhat, which is a typical symptom. Lumbar muscle strain usually requires strict bed rest, ideally for about a week, and it is best to take a leave of absence for about seven to ten days. Treatment often involves medications that promote blood circulation and relieve pain, combined with heat application, massage, and physical therapy, all of which can help alleviate symptoms. If it is possible and the workplace allows, it is recommended to rest for about seven to ten days.

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Written by Lv Yao
Orthopedics
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Symptoms of lumbar muscle strain

Lumbar muscle strain refers to the condition where the muscles in the lower back are damaged due to chronic labor or sports activities, leading to excessive contraction of muscle fibers. This results in localized pain and limited mobility. The main symptoms include feeling soreness and pain during flexion and extension of the waist, and even feelings of weakness. The affected individual may not be able to carry heavy loads for long periods and, in severe cases, may not be able to stand upright and may require bed rest, accompanied by spasms in the lower back.