What should I do if I strained my lower back while sneezing?

Treatment typically involves medications, physical therapy, and other non-surgical approaches. Acute cases generally do not require surgical intervention; however, if conservative treatment fails, pain is severe, or neurological deficits such as lower-limb sensory impairment or bladder/bowel dysfunction occur, further imaging studies are recommended—and surgery may be necessary—to rule out acute intervertebral disc herniation or vertebral fracture. Patients are advised to rest in bed, relax the lumbar muscles, and apply appropriate heat therapy to promote muscle relaxation and improve local blood circulation, thereby preventing symptom exacerbation.