What department should I see for a lumbar muscle strain?

Written by Li Jin
Orthopedics
Updated on September 11, 2024
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Lumbar muscle strain can be treated at the orthopedics department of a hospital. It is primarily caused by poor posture and chronic injury. Patients with lumbar muscle strain may experience symptoms such as lower back pain and limited mobility of the lower back. For the treatment of lumbar muscle strain, it is important to rest and develop correct habits for using the lower back. Symptomatic treatment with medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory pain relievers can also be used to alleviate pain. Additionally, Chinese medicine that promotes blood circulation and removes blood stasis can improve symptoms. Other treatment methods such as hot compresses, physical therapy, massage, and trigger point injections can also effectively improve symptoms.

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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 Kuang Tao
Orthopedics
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How long does it take to recover from a lumbar muscle strain?

Lumbar muscle strain is a common clinical disease, usually caused by overexertion or heavy physical labor. Another situation that can lead to lumbar muscle strain is due to acute injuries, such as those who rarely exercise or do physical work suddenly lifting heavy objects or engaging in intense sports, which can cause acute strain of the lumbar spine. How long does it take to recover? If it is an acute strain, it generally takes about two weeks to recover. If it is chronic, it usually takes one to two months. With proper treatment and exercise, improvement can generally be seen within two months.

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Written by Cheng Bin
Orthopedics
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Is lumbar muscle strain serious?

For severe lumbar muscle strain, in cases where the strain is not very severe, it usually manifests as the patient primarily experiencing symptoms of soreness and pain in the lower back. For such patients, full recovery is still possible with active cooperation in treatment. First, it is necessary to reduce local irritation by strictly resting and protecting the affected area, which is the best condition for patient recovery. It is important to avoid prolonged sitting or standing, excessive bending or lifting heavy objects. It is advisable to wear a lumbar support belt to protect the lower back and actively apply local treatments such as heat application, massage, acupuncture, and cupping. Additionally, topical application of ointments that invigorate the blood and dispel stasis can also be used. Most patients will gradually recover through these active treatment methods.

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Written by Guan Yu Hua
Orthopedic Surgery
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What are the symptoms of lumbar muscle strain?

Lumbar muscle strain, also known as functional back pain, chronic lumbar injury, and lumbar-gluteal fasciitis, etc., is actually chronic inflammation of the lumbar muscles and their attachment points, such as the fascia or periosteum. It is one of the most common causes of back pain. The main symptoms include swelling and soreness in the lumbar and sacral regions, recurring pain, which is often related to the weather, such as feeling cold. Factors such as daytime fatigue can aggravate it, rest can alleviate it, and the intensity of pain can vary. Sometimes, it is severe and other times it is mild. For instance, some people feel stiff as a board in the morning upon waking up and are afraid to move; this is a typical manifestation. Physical examination can confirm the condition, and some diagnostic tests like lumbar disc CT or MRI can help differentiate if there is any lumbar disc herniation. Additionally, it is also important to distinguish from conditions like piriformis syndrome, which generally involves sciatica, and symptoms like numbness and pain in the lower limbs. Once diagnosed, the first step is strict bed rest, and appropriate blood-activating and pain-relieving medication can be administered. Local heat application, massage, and electrotherapy are some of the physical treatments available. It is advisable to avoid lifting or moving heavy objects routinely, as these activities can impose significant strain on the back and are not conducive to the recovery from back ailments.

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Written by Li Jin
Orthopedics
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How to treat lumbar muscle strain properly?

Lumbar muscle strain is mainly caused by long-term poor posture and chronic injuries. Patients with lumbar muscle strain can experience symptoms such as back pain and limited mobility. For the treatment of lumbar muscle strain, it is important to rest and develop good habits of using the back during work. Symptomatic medication treatment can also be applied, such as using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs to relieve pain. These drugs can be used for a short period after meals and are effective in alleviating pain. Additionally, treatments like hot compresses, massage, physical therapy, acupuncture, or local blockages can also be used to effectively relieve pain.