Can lumbar muscle strain be massaged?

Written by Na Hong Wei
Orthopedics
Updated on September 13, 2024
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Lumbar muscle strain can be treated with massage if the technique and pressure are appropriate, making it a very important treatment method. Lumbar muscle strain generally involves the muscles which, due to prolonged overload, leads to reduced self-regulatory capacity or chronic aseptic inflammation of the muscle or its attachment points due to poor self-regulation. If the massage technique is correct, it can enhance local blood circulation and accelerate cellular metabolism. This helps in the faster elimination and release of inflammatory substances and pain factors. Moreover, massage can also relax tense muscles, allowing the strained lumbar muscles to rest and the damaged areas to recuperate. Therefore, lumbar muscle strain can indeed benefit from massage, and with the correct techniques, it can have a very effective therapeutic impact.

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Written by Li Jie
Orthopedics
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Can you swim with a strained lumbar muscle?

Lumbar muscle strain, as the name implies, is the fatigue damage to the lumbar spine muscles. It is characterized by tension, spasms, and adhesion of the lumbar muscles, sometimes accompanied by disorders of the lumbar facet joints, straightening of the lumbar curvature, and limited lumbar mobility. Swimming is permissible in such cases because the body is in a weightless state while swimming. This condition allows swimming to strengthen the muscles of the lower back and enhance the muscular strength of the lumbar spine, which can help in exercising and alleviating symptoms. Hence, it is said that one with lumbar muscle strain can swim.

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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 Na Hong Wei
Orthopedics
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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 Wang Cheng Lin
Orthopedics
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Symptoms of lumbar muscle strain

Lumbar muscle strain is mostly caused by excessive activity, overexertion, fatigue, and intense exercise, which leads to the continuous pulling of the lumbar muscle fibers beyond their load capacity, resulting in injury. After the injury, many patients may not have sufficient rest, causing the muscle fibers in the lumbar region to become scarred, which is referred to as lumbar muscle strain. The primary symptoms of lumbar muscle strain are pain and limited mobility in the lumbar region, especially after intense exercise or exertion, with the pain gradually worsening and possibly radiating to the buttocks on both sides. The main treatment involves rest, which is the most important. Additionally, treatments such as physiotherapy, rehabilitation, massage, acupuncture, and oral medication can be used to aid in the recovery and growth of lumbar muscles, with the main symptoms being pain in the lumbar area and restricted movement.

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Written by Li Jin
Orthopedics
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What department should I see for a lumbar muscle strain?

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.