Treatment methods for lumbar muscle strain

Written by Na Hong Wei
Orthopedics
Updated on September 02, 2024
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Firstly, general treatment is necessary, which mainly includes rest, or regularly changing posture, and avoiding bending over to lift objects. This is primarily to alleviate symptoms and prevent recurrence. Additionally, using a lumbar support belt at work can limit the range of motion of the waist and is very effective for lumbar muscle strain. Moreover, after entering the remission phase, when the pain has subsided, it is important to strengthen the muscles of the lower back. If the strength of the lower back muscles is improved, the stability of the lumbar spine will also improve, making lumbar muscle strain less likely to occur. Secondly, some physiotherapy can be applied to the painful area, including massage, manipulation, or acupuncture. Thirdly, if there are specific tender points, localized treatment around these points can be considered, which is highly effective. Fourthly, if the pain is particularly severe, affecting work and rest, or causing patient anxiety, consideration can be given to using some non-steroidal anti-inflammatory painkillers, muscle relaxants, or sedatives like diazepam. Therefore, treatment of lumbar muscle strain is essential and must be correctly administered. (Medications should be used under a doctor's guidance based on specific conditions.)

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Written by Na Hong Wei
Orthopedics
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Can lumbar muscle strain be massaged?

Lumbar muscle strain can be treated with massage if the technique and pressure are appropriate, making it a very important treatment method. Lumbar muscle strain generally involves the muscles which, due to prolonged overload, leads to reduced self-regulatory capacity or chronic aseptic inflammation of the muscle or its attachment points due to poor self-regulation. If the massage technique is correct, it can enhance local blood circulation and accelerate cellular metabolism. This helps in the faster elimination and release of inflammatory substances and pain factors. Moreover, massage can also relax tense muscles, allowing the strained lumbar muscles to rest and the damaged areas to recuperate. Therefore, lumbar muscle strain can indeed benefit from massage, and with the correct techniques, it can have a very effective therapeutic impact.

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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.

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Written by Li Jin
Orthopedics
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Can lumbar muscle strain be cured completely?

Patients with lumbar muscle strain can generally improve their symptoms or even recover after rest or treatment. The main causes of lumbar muscle strain include long-term heavy physical activities involving the waist, poor posture, chronic strain, trauma, etc., which can cause symptoms such as back pain and limited mobility. These symptoms lessen after rest but can worsen after resuming strenuous activities. For the treatment of lumbar muscle strain, it is important first to rest and develop correct habits of using the waist to avoid long-term heavy physical activities involving this area. Treatment may include the symptomatic use of anti-inflammatory pain medications, combined with heat application, physical therapy, massage, or block therapy. These methods can play a positive role in symptom improvement and recovery. (Specific medications should be used under the guidance of a physician.)

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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 Wang Cheng Lin
Orthopedics
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Can physical exercise be done with lumbar muscle strain?

Patients with lumbar muscle strain are prohibited from engaging in lumbar and back fitness exercises because lumbar muscle strain is caused by prolonged exertion and chronic muscle damage, leading to back pain. If your lumbar muscle strain has not yet healed, and you continue to engage in lumbar and back fitness or weight-bearing fitness exercises, it could worsen the muscle injury and increase pain symptoms. Generally, for patients with lumbar muscle strain, we recommend swimming as it involves non-weight-bearing activities suitable for the lumbar and back area. This helps in the recovery of lumbar muscles and alleviates back pain, which is very beneficial for the lumbar muscles. Therefore, lumbar and back muscle fitness exercises are generally not recommended for patients with lumbar muscle strain.