Lumbar muscle contractures: symptoms and care

Lumbar muscle contractures are characterized by dysfunctional situations in the muscle fibers of the lumbar region, where the muscles experience a continuous and involuntary contraction. This sustained contraction causes difficulties in supplying oxygenated blood and nutrients to muscle fibers, at the same time that makes it difficult to eliminate waste substances. In response to this imbalance, the nervous system sends pain signals to the brain, alerting us to the existence of a problem in this area. The lumbar region of the spine, composed of five vertebrae, is one of the more robust areas of the body. In addition to protecting the spinal cord, this region plays a role crucial in the absorption and transmission of loads, as well as in the mobility of the trunk. It is also the point of insertion of various muscle groups that participate in the stabilization and movement of the lower back. Lumbar muscle contractures can manifest in a variety of ways and can be triggered by a variety of factors, from sedentary lifestyle and poor posture to emotional stress and excessive exercise. These contractures can cause symptoms such as generalized low back pain, difficulty moving, numbness in the legs, and others.

Symptoms of lumbar muscle contractures

The symptoms of lumbar muscle contractures can vary in intensity and manifest in a variety of ways, but are generally related to discomfort and limitations in the lower back and surrounding areas. Some of the more common symptoms include:

1. Generalized low back pain: Pain is the most characteristic symptom and can be felt throughout the lower back, radiating from the vertebrae to the sides. This pain can be sharp, throbbing, or dull, and usually worsens with certain movements or postures.
2. Difficulty moving: People with lower back muscle contractures may experience difficulty performing movements such as flexing or extending the trunk. This can manifest as stiffness or lack of flexibility in the lower back.
3. Numbness in the legs: In some cases, lumbar muscle contractures can cause numbness or tingling in the legs, especially if there is involvement of the nerves that supply this area.
4. Buttock and/or groin pain: The pain may spread to the buttocks and groin, affecting areas near the lower back.
5. Pain when sneezing, coughing, or laughing: In more acute cases, pain may increase when performing activities such as sneezing, coughing or laughing, due to the additional pressure placed on the lower back muscles.
6. Difficulty changing position: After staying in one position for a long period of time, it can be difficult to change position due to pain and stiffness in the lower back.
7. Stinging sensation or discomfort: Some people may experience a stinging sensation or discomfort in the lower back, which can vary in intensity depending on the activity performed.

Types of lumbar muscle contractures

Although lumbar muscle contractures are characterized by an involuntary and continuous contraction of the muscles in the lower back, it is important to understand that they can manifest themselves in different ways depending on the nature of the contraction and the muscles affected. Some common types of lumbar muscle contractures are described below:

1. Generalized muscle contracture: This type of contracture affects multiple muscle groups in the lower back, causing pain and stiffness throughout the area. It can be the result of overexertion, poor posture, or lack of exercise.
2. Square lumbar contracture: The quadratus lumbar is a muscle located in the lower back, and its contracture can cause pain and stiffness in this area. It is usually related to activities that involve flexion and torsion of the trunk, such as lifting heavy objects incorrectly.
3. Deep multifide contracture: The multifids are deep muscles in the spine that provide stability and support. Your contracture can cause pain and limit the mobility of the lumbar spine, especially during flexion and extension.
4. Psoas contracture: The psoas is an important muscle that connects the lower spine to the upper leg. Your contracture can cause lower back pain, as well as difficulty moving and performing activities such as walking or lifting your legs.

How chiropractic can help with lumbar muscle contractures

Chiropractic is a discipline of alternative medicine that focuses on diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disorders of the musculoskeletal system, especially those related to the spine. In the case of lumbar muscle contractures, chiropractic can play an important role in managing pain and restoring function. Here are some ways chiropractic can help in these cases: Spinal Alignment: Chiropractic focuses on adjusting and realigning the spine to correct vertebral misalignments, also known as subluxations. These subluxations can put pressure on the nerves that come out of the spine, which can contribute to the development of lumbar muscle contractures and increase pain. Chiropractic adjustments can help restore proper spinal alignment and reduce pressure on nerves, which in turn can alleviate pain and improve muscle function. Improved joint mobility: Chiropractic also focuses on improving joint mobility in the spine and surrounding joints. This may involve gentle manipulation techniques to mobilize joints and improve their range of motion. By improving joint mobility, stiffness and tension in the muscles of the lower back are reduced, which can help prevent the formation of muscle contractures and improve function. Reducing inflammation and pain: Chiropractic adjustments and other techniques used by chiropractors can help reduce inflammation and pain in the lower back. This may include the use of gentle manipulation techniques, soft tissue therapy, and treatment modalities such as heat or cold therapy. By reducing inflammation and pain, chiropractic can help facilitate the healing of muscle contractures and improve the patient's overall well-being. Education and prevention: Chiropractors not only treat the symptoms of lower back muscle contractures, but they also educate patients on how to prevent future injuries and improve spinal health. This may include recommendations for proper postures, safe lifting techniques, stretching and strengthening exercises, as well as advice on ergonomics in the workplace and at home.

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