Lumbar Strain

Lumbar strain is one of the most common causes of low back pain. The injury can occur because of overuse, improper use, or trauma. It is classified as "acute" if it has been present for days to weeks. If the strain lasts longer than 3 months, it is referred to as "chronic."

Definition: 

              

               Lumbar strain,  muscle strains and sprains are the most common causes of 

low back pain. The back is prone to this strain because of its weight-bearing function and involvement in moving, twisting and bending. Lumbar muscle strain is caused when muscle fibers are abnormally stretched or torn.

Occurrence:

              Strains are defined as tears (partial or complete) of the muscle-tendon unit. Muscle strains and tears most frequently result from a violent muscular contraction during an excessively forceful muscular stretch.You can define acute and chronic strains are characterized by continued pain attributable to muscle injury. Low back pain is the second most common symptom that causes patients to seek medical attention in the outpatient setting. Approximately 70% of adults have an episode of LBP as a result of work or play.

Symptoms:

                 Common symptoms include pain, which is diffuse in the lumbar muscles, with some radiation to the buttocks. The pain could be exacerbated during standing and twisting motions, with active contractions and passive stretching of the involved muscle the pain vil increase.

                 Other symptoms are point tenderness, muscle spasm, possible swelling in and around the involved musculature, a possible lateral deviation in the spine with severe spasm, and a decreased range of motion. 

Physiotherapy Prevention:

                  In the acute phase of a lumbar strain Cold therapy should be applied (for a short period up to 48 h) to the affected area to limit the localized tissue inflammation and edema. Recent studies have found that continuing ordinary activities within the limits permitted by the pain leads to more rapid recovery than bed rest. TENS and ultrasound are often used to help control pain and decrease muscle spasm, mild stretching exercises along with limited activity.

Some stretching Activities:

Single or double knee to chest:

                   Lie down on your back with your knees bent and your heels on the floor. Pull your knee or knees as close as you can to your chest, and hold the pose for 20 seconds. Repeat this 3 to 5 times.

 Back stretch:

                    Lie on your back, hands above your head. Bend your knees and , keeping your feet on the floor, roll your knees to one side, slowly. Stay at one side for 20 seconds repeat 3 to 5 times.

• Kneeling lung (stretching iliopsoas)

• stretching piriformis

• stretching quadratus lumborum

                   Progression of strengthening exercises should begin once the pain and spasm are under control. The muscles requiring the most emphasis are the abdominals, especially the obliques, the trunk extensors and the gluteals. 

                    Additionally back muscle strengthening exercises, core muscle strengthening exercises , these will help to get recovery soon from lumbar strain.