How to treat lumbar muscle strain

Written by Li Jin
Orthopedics
Updated on January 05, 2025
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Patients with lumbar muscle strain are primarily caused by long-term engagement in heavy physical activities involving the waist, poor posture, chronic strain, etc. The main symptoms include lower back pain and restricted movement, which alleviate after rest and worsen after physical exertion. To manage lumbar muscle strain, it is crucial first to rest and develop correct habits for using the lower back, avoiding long-term engagement in heavy physical activities of the waist while also paying attention to techniques used. If symptoms are severe, medication such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can be used, along with adjunct treatments like heat therapy, massage, or block therapy. These methods can actively contribute to symptom improvement and recovery. (Please use medications under the guidance of a doctor to avoid blind self-medication.)

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Written by Wang Cheng Lin
Orthopedics
1min 22sec home-news-image

What should I do if I have a lumbar muscle strain?

The recurrence of lumbar muscle strain primarily requires rest as the first measure; it is essential to rest in bed and avoid exerting the muscles in the lower back. Secondly, some external plasters can be applied, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory and analgesic plasters, as well as plasters that promote blood circulation and remove blood stasis, to alleviate pain in the lower back. Thirdly, some physical therapy methods can be used, such as massage, acupuncture, electrotherapy, and magnet therapy to relieve the pain in the muscles of the lower back. However, among these methods, rest is the most important, including being cautious with methods of exercise and training. For instance, some people prefer running, while others enjoy playing ball sports; generally, patients with lumbar muscle strain should absolutely avoid these kinds of activities. If they engage in strenuous activities even once, the lumbar muscle strain will recur. It is recommended for patients with lumbar muscle strain who enjoy exercise to consider swimming; swimming is a non-weight-bearing form of exercise that does not aggravate the condition but can strengthen the muscles in the lower back, alleviating the symptoms of lumbar muscle strain. (Please use medication under the guidance of a professional physician.)

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Written by Li Jin
Orthopedics
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Is bloodletting useful for lumbar muscle strain?

Bloodletting therapy for lumbar muscle strain has no scientific basis, and improper operations can easily cause infections. Therefore, this method is not recommended. Lumbar muscle strain is primarily caused by poor posture and chronic strain, leading to symptoms such as back pain and limited mobility. The main treatment for lumbar muscle strain involves rest and developing correct habits for using the back. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory pain relief medications can be used in combination to alleviate pain. Other treatment methods such as heat application, physical therapy, massage, or trigger point injections can also be adopted. Generally, these methods can effectively relieve symptoms. (Specific medications should be used under the guidance of a physician.)

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Written by Na Hong Wei
Orthopedics
1min 4sec home-news-image

How to relieve pain from lumbar muscle strain?

Lumbar muscle strain, if the pain is severe, can usually be alleviated using the following methods. First and foremost, during the acute phase, what is primarily needed? First, you need to rest and immobilize, mainly ceasing some activities and ideally lying on a hard bed in a supine position with hips and knees flexed. Secondly, for the painful area, you can apply appropriate physiotherapy. This includes traditional Chinese massage and acupuncture. Thirdly, if there are specific fixed painful points, you might consider blockade therapy. Fourthly, when the pain is particularly severe and affects your work and rest, you can take some non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Additionally, use some stimulating medicines or stimulating liniments. If the pain severely impacts your mood and work, you might also consider some sedatives. Fifthly, you can use some external or internal traditional Chinese medicine, which is usually very effective in managing pain.

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

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 Na Hong Wei
Orthopedics
1min 45sec home-news-image

Treatment methods for lumbar muscle strain

Firstly, some non-surgical treatments, namely conservative treatments, should be carried out. The majority of patients can see significant relief in their symptoms after conservative treatment, and some of them may even be cured. Conservative treatment begins with general treatment. Primarily, it involves bed rest after the onset of lumbar muscle strain symptoms, ceasing work, and minimizing bending activities. Additionally, wearing a lumbar support is advised to prevent further injury. Secondly, it is appropriate to exercise the muscles of the lower back. If the strength of these muscles is increased, not only can it enhance the stability of the lumbar spine, but it can also reduce pressure inside the intervertebral discs and delay the aging and degeneration of the spine. Thirdly, physical and rehabilitation therapies should be employed. This mainly includes traction, physiotherapy, massage, acupuncture, and external application of traditional Chinese medicine. The goal is primarily to relax spasmodic back muscles. At the same time, it can alleviate pressure within the intervertebral discs and reduce the inflammation around the nerve roots. Fourthly, if the pain is extremely severe and significantly affects everyday life and work, consideration may be given to taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory pain medications, along with muscle relaxants. This can result in very effective pain relief. If the outcome of standardized conservative treatment is unsatisfactory, surgical treatment can be considered. However, for lumbar muscle strain, non-surgical treatment is generally preferred, with only a few patients requiring surgery.