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

Written by Wang Cheng Lin
Orthopedics
Updated on February 15, 2025
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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 Su Zhen Bo
Orthopedics
1min 3sec home-news-image

Which part to massage for lumbar muscle strain?

After experiencing lumbar muscle strain, massage therapy can be used for treatment. During the massage, focus on the kidney area on both sides of the lumbar spine. Techniques such as muscle lifting and pinching, local elbow pressing, and massage methods like rubbing, kneading, and rolling can be used. Stimulate effective acupoints in the waist to restore normal circulation of qi and blood in the lumbar muscles, promote the muscle tissues to absorb nutrients, enhance the strength, toughness, and elasticity of lumbar muscles, and reduce symptoms such as pain and swelling, as well as increase the range of motion in the lumbar spine area. Additionally, support with lumbar acupuncture, moxibustion, electrotherapy, and physical therapy. Under the guidance of a rehabilitation doctor, strengthen lumbar functional exercises to accelerate recovery. In terms of diet, consume more fresh fruits and foods rich in calcium.

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Written by Guan Jing Tao
Orthopedics
54sec home-news-image

Apply heat to the lumbar muscles area for lumbar muscle strain.

Mostly, the affected areas with definite tender points are recommended for appropriate hot compresses, which can effectively improve lumbar muscle strain. In addition, lumbar muscle strain may be accompanied by definite local tender points, especially at the locations where muscle damage is clear. Applying hot compresses there can also effectively alleviate back pain and symptoms of restricted movement. It is recommended to persist with hot compresses, use heating pads, or apply some medicated plasters daily. Use heating pads once or twice a day, each session lasting 10 to 20 minutes. If using medicated plasters, follow the instructions, continuing for one to two weeks. Moreover, during the recovery period, avoid prolonged sitting, standing, and heavy lifting activities. (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 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 Wang Cheng Lin
Orthopedics
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Can acupuncture be used for lumbar muscle strain?

Yes, and the effect of acupuncture is very good for the treatment of lumbar muscle strain. At the same time, it should also be known that the treatment of lumbar muscle strain is not just about acupuncture treatment. The most important thing is that the cause of lumbar muscle strain is due to fatigue, and the main cause of the disease must be removed to cure the disease fundamentally. Therefore, patients with lumbar muscle strain, in addition to acupuncture, must pay attention to rest and avoid fatigue. If after the acupuncture, the pain is relieved, and then you continue to do heavy physical work, the lumbar muscle strain will recur and will become increasingly severe. Therefore, in general, after acupuncture, it is still recommended to avoid fatigue and pay attention to rest.