Can lumbar muscle strain be cured completely?

Written by Li Jin
Orthopedics
Updated on May 11, 2025
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Whether lumbar muscle strain can be completely cured is related to the severity of the condition. Generally, patients with mild conditions should rest and may use anti-inflammatory and analgesic medications, or treatment methods such as hot compresses, physical therapy, and massage. Symptoms can be effectively relieved within a few days, and recovery is possible. For more severe cases, recovery may be slower if patients do not rest properly, and there could be recurrent episodes as well. Thus, patients with lumbar muscle strain should also pay attention to rest and recuperation routinely, develop correct habits for using the lower back, and reduce heavy physical activities involving the lower back. Additionally, it is important to stay warm and prevent exposure to cold. Patients can also use anti-inflammatory and analgesic medications, and drugs that promote blood circulation and remove blood stasis to facilitate recovery. Heat compresses and physical therapy can be used as well. These methods play an active role in improving symptoms and promoting recovery. (Note: The use of medications should be carried out under the guidance of a professional doctor.)

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Written by Li Jie
Orthopedics
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Lumbar muscle strain is which part?

Lumbar muscle strain, as the name suggests, refers to a group of symptoms of muscle pain in the lumbar region caused by strain. Typically, it occurs in the waist area, around where we usually wear a belt. Generally, the pain is located about 10 to 20 centimeters above the belt area and about 10 centimeters below it. The pain on either side of the lumbar spine in this area is called lumbar muscle strain, which is usually caused by strain in the muscles of the lumbar spine. If the pain is in the central part of the lumbar spine, this type of pain is generally due to inflammation of the supraspinous ligament or tendonitis. Sometimes, it is caused by a herniated lumbar disc, which may not be closely related to lumbar muscle strain. Therefore, we say that pain in the muscles on either side of the waist is called lumbar muscle strain.

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Written by Sun Shu Jian
Orthopedics
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Can lumbar muscle strain be treated with massage?

Lumbar muscle strain in the non-acute phase can be treated with massage therapy. Lumbar muscle strain is a chronic aseptic inflammation caused by overexertion of the lower back, related to factors such as prolonged sitting and long periods of bending. It can cause pain in the lower back and limited movement. In addition to massage therapy, treatments for lumbar muscle strain can include local heat application, infrared radiation, and electromagnetic therapy. It is also advisable to change daily lifestyle habits by avoiding prolonged sitting and bending, and avoiding exposure to cold. Appropriate exercises to strengthen back muscles, acupuncture, massage, and when necessary, the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory and muscle relaxant medications can also be used for treatment.

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Written by Guan Yu Hua
Orthopedic Surgery
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Can you exercise with lumbar muscle strain?

Lumbar muscle strain primarily arises from repetitive stretching of the back muscles due to work-related activities or intense physical exercise. This leads to a range of symptoms, such as stiffness in the lower back upon waking in the morning, reluctance to move, and symptomatic relief after some activity. It is advised to gently exercise the lower back to effectively alleviate symptoms, avoid strenuous exercise or prolonged bending and heavy physical labor. It's best to strictly rest on a firm mattress, perform warm-up activities for the lower back, and undergo appropriate physical therapy and massage. Consuming blood-activating and pain-relieving medications can also help. Typically, symptoms will gradually ease over 7-10 days. Although light activity for lumbar muscle strain is acceptable, engaging in exercise is not recommended. Rest is necessary, and a general rest period of about half a month will gradually reduce symptoms. Recurrences are common, so it is important to regularly care for your lower back by avoiding activities such as bending to lift heavy objects, carrying heavy loads, etc., as these can easily lead to repetitive strain injuries of the back muscles.

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Written by Li Jin
Orthopedics
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How to recover from a lumbar muscle strain?

Patients with lumbar muscle strain are mainly caused by long-term heavy physical activities involving the waist, poor posture, chronic strain, etc. The symptoms are primarily manifested as back pain and restricted movement. These symptoms are alleviated after rest and worsened after labor. For the treatment of lumbar muscle strain, it is important to first ensure adequate rest and develop proper habits for using the waist to avoid long-term heavy physical activities. Symptomatic medication treatments, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory analgesics, can be used. Additionally, methods like hot compresses, physical therapy, massage, and local block treatment can be employed. These methods play a positive role in symptom improvement and recovery. (Please use medications under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Na Hong Wei
Orthopedics
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Symptoms of lumbar muscle strain and fasciitis

First, it is a type of chronic pain without obvious causes, mainly characterized by soreness and swelling. The pain usually alleviates after rest but reappears if staying in one position for too long. Therefore, patients with myofascial inflammation caused by lumbar strain often feel restless. Second, there is usually a trigger point, typically located near or within a muscle, or at the junction between muscle and nerve. Pressing on the trigger point often results in radiating pain around it. Furthermore, the pain usually does not worsen but instead lessens over time, which is a key characteristic of myofascial inflammation. Third, the sacrospinalis muscle may become hardened or even spasm on one or both sides. Fourth, there is compensatory abnormal curvature of the spine, mainly presenting as protrusion or lateral curvature of the spine. Thus, the symptoms of myofascial inflammation from lumbar muscle strain usually include pain, specific pain points, surrounding muscle hardening, spasm, and compensatory spinal deformity.