Symptoms of lumbar muscle strain

Written by Lv Yao

Orthopedics

Updated on November 13, 2024

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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 Wang Cheng Lin

Orthopedics

1min 27sec

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How many days will it take for a lumbar muscle strain to heal by itself?

Lumbar muscle strain is a chronic condition, not an acute onset. It is caused by fatigue, overexertion, trauma, and vigorous exercise, leading to prolonged and repeated strain, pulling, rupture, and damage of the lumbar muscles, resulting in scar formation and lumbar muscle strain. Therefore, this disease is essentially a chronic ailment, and its healing mainly relies on rest to promote recovery. If muscle damage occurs in the lumbar region and one does not rest, continuing to work and bear loads as usual, the muscles will not heal and will eventually become scarred. Thus, the duration for the healing of lumbar muscle strain depends not on the number of days, but whether adequate and proper rest has been taken. Additionally, applying medications that invigorate blood circulation and disperse blood stasis can assist in recovery. Generally, if care is taken to rest adequately, avoid carrying heavy loads, prevent fatigue, and avoid vigorous exercise, while also using oral medications or plasters that invigorate blood and dispel stasis, healing can gradually occur. However, the condition may recur under fatigue and strain in the future, as it is a chronic disease and complete healing is very difficult to achieve. (Note: This answer is for reference only. Medication should be administered under the guidance of a professional physician, and medications should not be used blindly.)

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Written by Li Jin

Orthopedics

52sec

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Is applying heat useful for lumbar muscle strain?

Patients with lumbar muscle strain can find heat application helpful in relieving symptoms, as it is a type of physiotherapy. Heat application can promote blood circulation, reduce inflammatory reactions, and actively alleviate symptoms such as lower back pain. Patients with lumbar muscle strain should also ensure adequate rest, develop proper habits for using the lumbar region, and avoid long-term heavy physical activities involving the back. Additionally, treatments can include the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, blood-activating and stasis-dissolving medications, in combination with heat application, physiotherapy, massage, or injections. These methods can actively improve symptoms and promote recovery, thus heat application is advisable for patients with lumbar muscle strain.

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Written by Li Jie

Orthopedics

47sec

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What is the location for moxibustion for lumbar muscle strain?

Lumbar muscle strain, as the name suggests, is a fatigue injury of the lumbar muscles. The pathological changes mainly involve local muscle spasms, adhesions, and tension in the lumbar spine, and sometimes there is some disorder in the small joints. Generally, in moxibustion treatment, the most important point is to apply moxibustion at the pain points. We can manually press to locate the most painful area or where the muscles are most tense, and apply moxibustion there, which is known as Ashi point therapy. Secondly, we can select specific acupoints in the lumbar area for targeted moxibustion. Commonly used acupoints include Mingmen, Shenshu, and Yaoyangguan. Targeted moxibustion at these points is usually quite effective.

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Written by Guan Jing Tao

Orthopedics

54sec

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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 Cheng Bin

Orthopedics

45sec

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How long do you need to rest for a lumbar muscle strain?

Usually, patients with lumbar muscle strain need to actively rest and protect themselves for about seven to ten days to recover. However, during this period, they must actively cooperate with the treatment. Otherwise, if they continue to perform heavy physical labor, or are exposed to cold, the recovery time is unpredictable and may be prolonged. For such patients, local treatments such as hot compresses, massages, light therapy, and acupuncture can be used to promote the absorption of local creatine kinase. Additionally, they can use topical ointments that invigorate the blood and remove stasis, and take oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory and blood-activating drugs. (Specific medications should be used under the guidance of a physician.)