What Are the First Aid Measures for Acute Lumbar Sprain?

The muscles in the lumbar region tighten and spasm, with obvious tender points mostly located between the transverse processes of the fourth and fifth lumbar vertebrae and the iliac bone, or at the midline of the lumbosacral region. What are the first aid measures for this condition?

1. Rest: Lie on a hard bed with pillows (or sandbags) placed on both sides of the waist to restrict movement and promote calmness. Hugging the knees can reduce pain.

2. Acupoint Stimulation: Stimulate or needle the extraordinary points for lumbar pain on the back of the hand, between the second and third metacarpal bones and the fifth metacarpal bone, at the midpoint of the wrist crease and metacarpophalangeal joint. There are two points on one side. Stimulate or retain the needles for 20 minutes, three times a day, while asking the patient to flex and extend their waist more than 10 times for significant pain relief.

3. Hot Compress: Apply a local hot compress or hand acupoint stimulation to improve blood circulation and accelerate the absorption of edema and hematoma.

4. Massage: Use "kneading and pressing" techniques to relax the lumbar muscles, applying heavy pressure to the third lumbar vertebra, twice a day, each session lasting 20 to 30 minutes.

5. Injection Therapy: When there are obvious tender points, inject 5 to 10 ml of 2% procaine solution mixed with 25 mg of prednisone acetate into the tender points. Pain relief can be achieved with one injection.

6. Prevention: When the pain is greatly reduced, quickly begin lumbar muscle exercises to prevent muscle and ligament adhesion and the transition from acute to chronic conditions. Strengthen lumbar exercises on a daily basis to enhance muscle strength and prevent recurrence. When lifting heavy objects, first spread your legs apart, then bend and stretch your waist, and lift the objects only when your posture is stable.