How to Treat Acute Lumbar Sprain
Disease description:
This morning, I lifted a box of fruit and suddenly strained my lower back. Now, bending over or sitting down is extremely difficult and painful. How should a lumbar strain be treated?
For acute lumbar strain (“flash back”), the first step is bed rest—preferably lying flat—and avoiding prolonged standing or sitting. Second, it is essential to assess the specific nature of the lumbar injury: determine whether there is vertebral misalignment, acute intervertebral disc herniation, or other serious conditions; if so, seek prompt medical attention. Local cold therapy is highly effective for pain relief; apply an ice pack to the affected lumbar area, taking care to avoid excessive chilling. When necessary, anti-inflammatory and analgesic medications may also be used.