What are the symptoms of lumbar muscle strain?

Written by Guan Yu Hua
Orthopedic Surgery
Updated on November 10, 2024
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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 Li Jin
Orthopedics
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What should I do if I have a lumbar muscle strain?

Patients with lumbar muscle strain primarily suffer from back injuries due to long-term heavy physical activities involving the waist, poor posture, and chronic wear and tear, causing symptoms such as lower back pain and restricted movement. Those suffering from lumbar muscle strain should first focus on rest and develop proper habits of using their waist to avoid engaging in long-term heavy physical activities. At the same time, symptomatic treatment may include the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory analgesics, combined with heat application, physical therapy, massage, or trigger point injection. These methods can actively improve pain symptoms and promote recovery.

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Written by Na Hong Wei
Orthopedics
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Symptoms of lumbar muscle strain and fasciitis

First, it is a type of chronic pain without obvious causes, mainly characterized by soreness and swelling. The pain usually alleviates after rest but reappears if staying in one position for too long. Therefore, patients with myofascial inflammation caused by lumbar strain often feel restless. Second, there is usually a trigger point, typically located near or within a muscle, or at the junction between muscle and nerve. Pressing on the trigger point often results in radiating pain around it. Furthermore, the pain usually does not worsen but instead lessens over time, which is a key characteristic of myofascial inflammation. Third, the sacrospinalis muscle may become hardened or even spasm on one or both sides. Fourth, there is compensatory abnormal curvature of the spine, mainly presenting as protrusion or lateral curvature of the spine. Thus, the symptoms of myofascial inflammation from lumbar muscle strain usually include pain, specific pain points, surrounding muscle hardening, spasm, and compensatory spinal deformity.

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Written by Guan Yu Hua
Orthopedic Surgery
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How should lumbar muscle strain be treated?

Lumbar muscle strain is a particularly common disease, such as strenuous exercise or long periods of heavy physical labor. For instance, farmers bending over, farming, hoeing, cutting grass, fertilizing, and spraying pesticides are all activities closely related to the movement of the lumbar muscles. The human body's muscles engage in 80% of activities, and their involvement in lumbar muscle strain is very common. It mainly manifests as swinging hammers, digging tree pits, bending over to lift heavy objects, and carrying heavy weights. Subsequently, pain and discomfort in the lumbar region occur. The next morning, upon waking, the symptoms may become more apparent. The lumbar area may feel stiff, akin to a plank, making getting out of bed difficult. Through physical examination and radiographic imaging, such as CT scans of the lumbar spine, the condition can generally be identified and confirmed. In such cases, strict bed rest is required, generally for at least ten days, during which symptoms gradually alleviate. During this period, treatments such as traction, physiotherapy, massage, and heating can help alleviate the symptoms. If necessary, blood-activating and pain-relieving medications may be taken. The condition is treatable, but it is advisable to avoid prolonged sitting in the future. When engaging in heavy labor, it is better to restrict the lumbar region by wearing a lumbar belt or engaging in lighter physical activities that do not overly exert the lumbar area. Regular care for the lumbar region is essential. Once there is damage to the lumbar region, recurrent episodes can affect the quality of normal life and work.

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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.

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Written by Li Jin
Orthopedics
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Is bloodletting useful for lumbar muscle strain?

Bloodletting therapy for lumbar muscle strain has no scientific basis, and improper operations can easily cause infections. Therefore, this method is not recommended. Lumbar muscle strain is primarily caused by poor posture and chronic strain, leading to symptoms such as back pain and limited mobility. The main treatment for lumbar muscle strain involves rest and developing correct habits for using the back. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory pain relief medications can be used in combination to alleviate pain. Other treatment methods such as heat application, physical therapy, massage, or trigger point injections can also be adopted. Generally, these methods can effectively relieve symptoms. (Specific medications should be used under the guidance of a physician.)