Acute Lumbar Strain
Overview
Acute lumbar strain refers to acute injury of the lumbar muscles, fascia, and ligaments caused by sudden external force or improper posture. It belongs to the categories of 'low back pain' and 'bi syndrome' in TCM. The pathogenesis is mainly qi stagnation and blood stasis with obstruction of the meridians, or concurrent invasion of wind-cold-dampness. Clinically it presents with severe lumbar pain, restricted movement, and marked local tenderness, sometimes inability to turn the trunk. Treatment focuses on invigorating blood and resolving stasis, moving qi and relieving pain, combined with external therapies such as acupuncture and tuina.
Pattern differentiation (clinical patterns)
Qi Stagnation and Blood Stasis Pattern
Stabbing lumbar pain with fixed location, aggravated by pressure, restricted movement, local swelling, dark purple tongue or with ecchymosis, and a stringy choppy pulse.
Invigorate blood and resolve stasis; move qi and relieve pain.
Wind-Cold-Dampness Bi Pattern
Cold, heavy, and aching lumbar pain, difficulty turning, aggravated by cold and relieved by warmth, white greasy tongue coating, and a deep tight pulse.
Dispel wind and scatter cold; eliminate dampness and unblock the meridians.
Kidney Qi Deficiency Pattern
Dull, lingering lumbar soreness and pain, relieved by pressure and massage, aggravated by fatigue and alleviated by rest, accompanied by weak knees and fatigue, pale tongue with white coating, and a deep thin pulse.
Tonify the kidney and boost qi; strengthen the lumbar region and bones.
Connections
Daily care & prevention
During the acute phase, bed rest is advised, avoiding lumbar loading and strenuous activity; local cold compress may reduce swelling. During remission, moderate lumbar functional exercises are recommended, keeping warm and avoiding wind-cold-dampness. Diet should be light, avoiding spicy and irritating foods.
When to seek medical care
If numbness or weakness of the lower limbs, bowel or bladder dysfunction occur, or if pain persists and worsens without relief, serious conditions such as lumbar disc herniation or fracture should be suspected; prompt medical attention and imaging examination are required.