Find a Surgeon
Return to Lumbar Strain (Weight Lifter's Back) Overview
More on Lumbar Strain (Weight Lifter's Back)
Surgical Services
Return to Lumbar Strain (Weight Lifter's Back) Overview
More on Lumbar Strain (Weight Lifter's Back)
Health Library
Return to Lumbar Strain (Weight Lifter's Back) Overview
More on Lumbar Strain (Weight Lifter's Back)
Guide to Our Hospital
Return to Lumbar Strain (Weight Lifter's Back) Overview
More on Lumbar Strain (Weight Lifter's Back)
Clinical Trials
Return to Lumbar Strain (Weight Lifter's Back) Overview
More on Lumbar Strain (Weight Lifter's Back)
Lumbar Strain (Weight Lifter's Back)
What is a lumbar strain?
A lumbar strain is an injury to the lower back, which results in damaged tendons and muscles that spasm and feel sore.
Causes
Trauma of great force can injure the tendons and muscles in the lower back. Pushing and pulling sports, such as weight lifting or football, can lead to a lumbar strain. In addition, sports that require sudden twisting of the lower back, such as in basketball, baseball, and golf, can lead to this injury. Certain risk factors, such as excessive lower back curvature, forward-tilted pelvis, weak back and/or abdominal muscles, and tight hamstrings, can increase the risk for this injury.
Symptoms
The following are the most common symptoms of a lumbar strain. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:
- sudden lower back pain
- spasms in the lower back that result in more severe pain
- lower back feels sore to the touch
The symptoms of a lumbar strain may resemble other conditions and medical problems. Always consult your physician for a diagnosis.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of a lumbar strain is usually confirmed with a complete medical history and physical examination.
Treatment
Specific treatment for a lumbar strain will be determined by your physician based on:
- Your age, overall health, and medical history
- Extent of the injury
- Your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
- Expectations for the course of the injury
- Your opinion or preference
Treatment may include:
- Rest
- Anti-inflammatory medication
- Physical therapy for stretching and strengthening exercises, and modalities such as ice, heat, and ultrasound.
