Lumbar Strain: Insights on Healing and Strengthening the Lower Back

Introduction

Lumbar strain can be caused by improper lifting, incorrect posture, or repetitive motions. It can also be the result of a sudden impact of force. Symptoms of a lumbar strain include pain in the lower back, stiffness, and difficulty moving. If anyone is experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention so that the cause of lumbar strain can be properly diagnosed and treated. Treatment of lumbar strain includes rest and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicine. Maintaining good posture and using the right lifting technique can help in the prevention of lumbar strain.

What Is a Lumbar Strain?

Lumbar strain is also called mechanical back strain. 70 % of lower back pain is caused due to lumbar strain. Sudden injury, twisting, falling with a stretched leg, or forceful impact injury causes stretching and tearing of muscles and ligaments, which results in lumbar strain. It is a painful condition and causes difficulty in bending, movement, and inability to walk or lie down.

What Are the Causes of Lumbar Strain?

Lumbar strain is a common condition that causes pain in the lower back. The causes of lumbar strain are listed below -

• Improper weight lifting results in a strain of muscles and ligaments.

• Repetitive motion.

• The prolonged period of sitting and standing.

• Injury during sports.

• Accidents.

• Torn muscle and ligaments.

• Sudden twisting and turning.

• Falling with the stretched leg.

• Overuse of the muscles in the lower back.

• Poor posture.

• Degenerative disc disease.

• Osteoarthritis.

What Are the Symptoms of Lumbar Strain?

Symptoms of lumbar strain are listed below -

• Pain in the lower back that may radiate into the buttocks or legs.

• Muscle spasm.

• Stiffness in the lower back.

• Difficulty moving the lower back.

• The inability to lift a weight.

• Pain while bending.

• Pain in the lower back for a longer time.

How to Diagnose Lumbar Strain?

If the pain persists for more than five to six months and there is no improvement after physical therapy, then a proper diagnosis is important to know the actual cause of pain and discomfort. A medical professional can advise on digital imaging like X-rays and MRIs.

• X-Rays - X-rays help in filming the bones and provide a clear diagnosis of any kind of fracture or slipping disc.

• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) - Magnetic resonance imaging helps in forming 3D pictures of a spine, vertebral column, nerves, and other surrounding structures. Any degenerative changes can be diagnosed with the help of an MRI.

• CT (Computed Tomography) Scan - CT Scan also uses X-rays and shows detailed images of every organ of the body. It includes imaging of bones, muscle, and other soft and hard tissues.

• Radionuclide Bone Scan - A small amount of radioactive material is injected into the blood and scanned by a digital scanner to test the blood flow and cell activity of the bone.

• Electromyogram - It helps in the evaluation of the function of the involved nerve and muscle.

Which Muscles Are Responsible for Lumbar Strain?

Injury to the following muscles can cause lumbar strain -

• Extensor muscles or gluteal muscles.

• Flexor muscles or iliopsoas muscles.

• Oblique muscles or side muscles.

What Are the Treatments for Lumbar Strain?

Treatment for lumbar strain may include rest, ice, heat, physical therapy, and medication.

• Rest - Rest is important in case of lumbar strain, but getting completely bedridden is a bad choice. Taking proper rest helps in the healing of an injury. Stop all activity and take proper rest until the recovery. Minimum physical activity should be done to avoid complete bed rest.

• Ice - Apply ice over the injured area to reduce pain and inflammation. Ice application should be made for 20 minutes a day.

• Heat Compression - Hot water bags are used for heat compression over the injured area, which provides pain relief.

• Physical Therapy - After the rest period, it is advisable to take physical therapy to improve the range of motion and increase the flexibility of muscles. A physiotherapist will help in doing different exercises which are beneficial in case of lumbar strain.

• Medicines - Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are used to relieve pain and inflammation. Some steroid injections are also helpful in pain reduction, but they can not be prescribed in the long run.

• Strength Exercises - Stretching and strengthening exercises help in lower back pain reduction.

When to Consult a Healthcare Provider in Case of Lumbar Strain?

In case of persistent symptoms of lumbar strain and increased pain, it is important to consult with the doctor or health care provider for proper diagnosis and treatment. The following conditions need consultation from the healthcare provider -

• Increased temperature of the body.

• Severe pain in the abdomen.

• Loss of sensation in legs.

• Blood in the urine.

• Persistent pain with time.

• Radiating pain from hips to the leg.

• Weakness and inability to stand.

What Are the Preventive Measures for Lumbar Strain?

Lumbar strain causes pain in the lower back area, which causes difficulty in life. Pain and the inability to do household things can turn life into a measurable condition. Prevention of lumbar strain is possible with the following steps -

• Follow proper technique and training while doing any exercises.

• Incorporate some low-intensity exercises in the routine to avoid overload on the lower back.

• Flexibility-improving exercises like yoga will be helpful in the prevention of lumbar strain.

• Do not sit or stand for longer.

• Try to maintain the correct posture.

• Avoid unhealthy and hazardous eating like smoking and alcohol. Smoking causes atherosclerosis and slipped discs, which can cause lumbar strain.

• When starting any new exercise, the presence of a trainer is important.

• In case of any injury, stop all physical activity and strain exercises till recovery.

• Maintain weight. Obesity causes more severe back pain and puts pressure on the spine and joints.

Conclusion

Lumbar strain is a common condition that can cause pain in the lower back and buttocks, stiffness in the lower back, and difficulty moving the affected area. The condition is often caused by overuse or injury to the muscles and ligaments in the lower back. The pain may be dull, or it may be sharp and severe. It may also radiate into the buttocks or legs. Treatment for lumbar strain typically includes rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain medication. Physical therapy and strength exercises are also recommended.