"What is lumbar strain?"
The lumbar portion of your back is defined by the five lumbar vertebrae of your spine.
When your physician indicates a lumbar strain, he is referring to the soft tissue located in and around this region. The soft tissue in question can be any one of the muscle(s) or tendons in your lower back region.
A strain to a muscle or tendon of the lower back can occur anytime we have caused an exaggerated stretch to that particular region of the body.
Muscles often involved may include the quadratus lumborum, erector spinae muscles, and multifidus muscles.
Symptoms of a strained muscle of the lower back may include pain, stiffness, and muscle spasms. Lumbar strains rarely present with radicular symptoms such as numbness or tingling. This could be a sign of something much more serious.
Most lumbar strains will resolve spontaneously with the help of physical therapy, medication (muscle relaxers, anti-inflammatories), and some rest. Bed rest should not excede two days.