How to Effectively Treat Lumbar Muscle Strain
May 14, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Xu Ge
Introduction
- Get adequate rest and maintain proper posture. When lying in bed, avoid using a high pillow, as this prevents the lumbar spine from achieving true rest—only the limbs are rested.
- Use medications appropriately. Pharmacological intervention is indicated when symptoms significantly impair daily life and work, particularly when sleep is affected.
- Physical therapy. For pain caused by lumbar muscle strain, patients may seek standard treatments—such as massage—at a reputable hospital.
There are three primary treatment approaches for lumbar muscle strain.
1. Appropriate rest and attention to posture. Pain serves as the body’s self-feedback mechanism—when you feel pain, it signals that your body needs rest; do not persist with work or other activities while enduring pain. High-quality sofas and chairs support the natural lordotic (forward) curvature of the lumbar spine. The worst sitting posture is forward flexion at approximately 70°: in supine position, lumbar load equals 1.0 times body weight; in upright standing, it increases to 1.5 times; and during ~70° forward flexion, it rises dramatically to 2.5 times body weight. When lying down, avoid using excessively high pillows, which prevent true rest for the lumbar spine and only allow the limbs to rest.
2. Moderate pharmacological therapy. When symptoms significantly impair daily life and work—especially sleep—pharmacological intervention becomes necessary. Examples include anti-inflammatory analgesics to alleviate symptoms and muscle relaxants to relieve muscular tension.
3. Physical therapy. During episodes of lumbar muscle strain–related pain, patients may seek conventional treatments—such as massage—at reputable medical institutions. These interventions can effectively relieve pain, but their effects are typically temporary. When selecting a rehabilitation specialist or massage clinic, ensure the facility is licensed and staffed by qualified professionals.
