How to effectively treat lumbar muscle strain?

Written by Cheng Bin
Orthopedics
Updated on August 31, 2024
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The best treatment for lumbar muscle strain usually involves local heat application or massage. It is crucial to employ the correct massage techniques, such as kneading, pinching, and rolling, which can effectively promote local blood circulation, alleviate muscle tension, and improve the clinical symptoms of the patient's lumbar muscle strain. For severe pain, it may also be necessary to combine this with some medications, such as oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or use topical plasters that activate blood circulation and dissolve stasis. Additionally, it is essential to sleep on a hard bed, wear a waist belt for protection, and avoid fatigue, cold exposure, prolonged sitting or standing, excessive bending, and lifting or carrying heavy objects.

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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 Guan Jing Tao
Orthopedics
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Can lumbar muscle strain be massaged?

Appropriate massage is acceptable, but avoid excessive force to prevent the possibility of further damage to the soft tissues of the back. It is recommended to combine it with local physical therapies, including electrotherapy, acupuncture, and proper kneading, which can aid in the recovery of lumbar muscle strain and improve local blood circulation. Furthermore, for recurring lumbar muscle strain, patients are advised to take oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory and blood-activating drugs, and avoid repeated bending and heavy lifting activities, as well as prolonged sitting and standing. (The use of medications should be conducted under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Li Jin
Orthopedics
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How to treat lumbar muscle strain

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 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 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.