How to self-repair lumbar muscle strain

Written by Guan Jing Tao
Orthopedics
Updated on January 19, 2025
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Lumbar muscle strain, especially repeated lumbar and back sprains, as well as prolonged sitting, standing, exposure to cold, and chill, can all cause lumbar muscle strain. Therefore, it is first necessary to avoid excessive bending and lifting activities, as well as exposure to cold and chill, particularly abnormal bending and lifting activities. Normally, one should squat first, then lift heavier objects and hold them close to the abdomen, which is a more correct posture for lifting things. After injuring the lumbar muscles, it is advisable to persist with local physical therapy daily, such as heat therapy, acupuncture, and physiotherapy, while avoiding cold, chill, prolonged sitting, and standing. One can also take some non-steroidal anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs orally. During the non-acute phase, when there is no obvious pain in the lumbar muscles, one can try exercises like planking, proper jogging, and pull-ups to enhance the strength of the back and lumbar muscles, which can promote the recovery of tissue damage from lumbar muscle strain and increase its strength.

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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 Cheng Bin
Orthopedics
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How to alleviate pain from lumbar muscle strain?

For patients with severe pain, topical ointments that activate blood circulation to dissipate blood stasis and reduce swelling and pain can be effectively used to alleviate the symptoms of pain caused by lumbar muscle strain. Additionally, local heat application or massage can be actively performed to effectively promote local blood circulation and the absorption of creatine kinase, improving the symptoms of lumbar muscle strain. Furthermore, oral administration of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and drugs that activate blood circulation to dissipate blood stasis can be used for treatment. It is important to rest and protect the affected area, wear a lumbar belt for protection, avoid sitting or standing for long periods, and refrain from bending over to lift heavy items or heavy lifting. (Please use medications under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Cheng Bin
Orthopedics
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How long should one rest for a lumbar muscle strain?

For patients with lumbar muscle strain, it is generally necessary to rest for about seven to ten days, which is beneficial for the improvement of clinical symptoms of lumbar muscle strain. However, if vigorous exercise, fatigue, or exposure to cold occur later, it may cause the symptoms of lumbar muscle strain to recur. Therefore, even after recovery, it is necessary to pay attention to rest and protection, avoid cold exposure, and prevent external injuries. Topically, some ointments that activate blood circulation and disperse stasis can be used. Wearing a lumbar belt to protect the spine, taking oral non-steroidal anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving medications, and medications that activate blood and resolve stasis can be effective treatments. This can be accompanied by acupuncture, massage, heat therapy, and cupping as physiotherapy methods, and gradual recovery can be achieved. (Specific medications should be taken under the guidance of a physician.)

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Written by Cheng Bin
Orthopedics
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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.)

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Written by Li Jin
Orthopedics
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Can lumbar muscle strain be cured completely?

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.)