How to treat rheumatic lumbar muscle strain

In general, rheumatic lumbar muscle strain may be caused by factors such as cold exposure to the waist, overexertion, myofascial inflammation, lumbar facet joint dysfunction, or degenerative lumbar spine disease. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and then improve symptoms under a doctor's guidance through conservative treatments, medications, and other methods. Specific analysis is as follows:

1. Cold exposure to the waist: Prolonged exposure of the waist to cold and damp environments can cause rheumatic factors to stimulate muscle blood vessels to constrict, leading to pain and stiffness. Daily precautions should include keeping the waist warm, wearing a lumbar support belt, avoiding sitting on cold benches for long periods, and applying heat therapy to the waist during cold weather to promote local blood circulation and relieve discomfort.

2. Overexertion: Long-term bending work or heavy lifting can repeatedly strain and damage the lumbar muscles, triggering muscle strain. Reduce activities that place weight-bearing stress on the lower back, avoid prolonged bending postures, maintain proper posture during work, take a 10-minute break every hour, and perform gentle stretching exercises to relieve muscular strain.

3. Myofascial inflammation: Rheumatic irritation can trigger an aseptic inflammatory response in the lumbar fascia, manifesting as diffuse low back pain that worsens with activity. Patients should follow medical advice to use medications such as celecoxib capsules, diclofenac sodium sustained-release tablets, or ibuprofen sustained-release capsules to reduce inflammation and relieve pain. Lumbar massage may also be used concurrently to relax tense muscles.

4. Lumbar facet joint dysfunction: Sudden twisting movements or poor posture may dislocate the small lumbar facet joints, exacerbating symptoms of muscle strain and causing restricted movement in the lower back. A qualified physician can perform manual manipulation to realign the joints. For significant pain, medications such as meloxicam tablets, loxoprofen sodium dispersible tablets, or etoricoxib tablets may be used as directed by a doctor.

5. Degenerative lumbar spine disease: With aging, intervertebral discs degenerate and bone spurs develop, compressing surrounding tissues and causing recurrent episodes of rheumatic lumbar muscle strain. As prescribed by a physician, supplements such as glucosamine hydrochloride capsules, chondroitin sulfate sodium tablets, or mecobalamin tablets may help nourish spinal tissues and nerves.

Daily management includes choosing a mattress with moderate firmness to maintain the natural curvature of the lumbar spine and avoiding overly soft beds. Regular strengthening exercises for the back and lumbar muscles—such as "flying swallow" exercises or five-point bridge supports—are recommended to enhance muscle strength, reduce the frequency of strain episodes, and promote overall lumbar health.