🕷️ Crawler Inspector

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Direct Parameter Lookup

Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 147 (from laksa183)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa147.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.cedars-sinai.org/health-library/diseases-and-conditions/l/lumbar-strain.html\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.cedars-sinai.org/health-library/diseases-and-conditions/l/lumbar-strain.html\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/www.cedars-sinai.org\/health-library\/diseases-and-conditions\/l\/lumbar-strain.html","crawl_time":1776183675,"first_indexed_time":1531556946,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"org,cedars-sinai!www,\/health-library\/diseases-and-conditions\/l\/lumbar-strain.html s443","src_root_hash":"18124545878044281147","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"Lumbar Strain | Cedars-Sinai","meta_descriptions":["A lumbar strain is an injury to the lower back. This results in damaged tendons and muscles that spasm and feel sore."],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"Lumbar Strain\nNot what you're looking for?\nWhat is a lumbar strain?\nA lumbar strain is an injury to the\n               low back. This leads to damaged tendons and muscles that can spasm and feel sore.\n               The\n               lumbar vertebrae make up the section of the spine in your low back.\nWhat causes lumbar strain?\nInjury can damage the tendons and\n               muscles in the low back. Pushing and pulling sports, such as weightlifting or football,\n               can lead to a lumbar strain. So can sports that need sudden twisting of the low back.\n               These include tennis, basketball, baseball, and golf.\nCertain risk factors can increase\n               the risk for this injury. The risk factors are:\nSevere low back curvature\nForward-tilted pelvis\nWeak back or belly (abdominal) muscles\nTight hamstrings\nWhat are the symptoms of lumbar strain?\n. Each person's  symptoms may be\n               different. Symptoms may include:\nSudden low back pain\nSpasms in the low back that result in\n                  more severe pain\nLow back feels sore to the touch\nSome of these symptoms may be\n               caused by other health problems. Always talk with your healthcare provider for a\n               diagnosis.\nHow is lumbar strain diagnosed?\nThe provider will take a complete\n               health history and do a physical exam. Special tests are not often needed for diagnosis.\n               But you may have some tests done such as:\nX-ray.\n A diagnostic test that makes images of internal\n                  tissues, bones, and organs onto film.\nCT scan.\nThis is an imaging test that uses X-rays and a\n                  computer to make detailed images of the body. It shows details of the bones, muscles,\n                  fat, and organs.\nMRI.\n This test uses a combination of large magnets,\n                  radiofrequencies, and a computer. It makes detailed images of organs and structures\n                  in the body.\nRadionuclide bone scan.\n A nuclear imaging method that uses\n                  a very small amount of radioactive material. This is injected into your blood to be\n                  found by a scanner. This test shows blood flow to the bone and cell activity in the\n                  bone.\nElectromyogram.\n A test to check nerve and muscle\n                  function.\nHow is lumbar strain treated?\nTreatment will depend on your symptoms, age, and general health. It\n               will also depend on how bad the condition is.\nTreatment may include:\nRest\nIce packs or heat and compression\n                  applied to the back\nExercises (to strengthen the abdominal\n                  muscles)\nStretching and strengthening exercises\n                  (for the low back as it heals)\nLearning how to use and wear correct\n                  protective equipment\nMedicines may also be used to ease\n               pain and inflammation. These include anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxants, and spinal\n               injections.\nWhen should I call my healthcare provider?\nCall your healthcare provider if\n               you have any of these:\nCan't stand or walk\nTemperature over 101.0°F (38.3°C) or\n                  as advised by your provider\nChills\nFrequent, painful, or bloody\n                  urination\nSevere belly pain\nSharp, stabbing pain\nConstant pain\nPain or numbness in your leg\nPain in a new area of your back\nThe pain isn’t decreasing after more\n                  than a week\nCall your healthcare provider right\n               away if you have any of these:\nPain spreading down the leg.\nPain as well as fever or chills, leg\n                  weakness, or loss of control of the bladder or bowels.\nLiving with lumbar strain\nCold reduces swelling. Both cold and heat can reduce pain. Protect your skin by placing\n               a towel between your body and the ice or heat source.\nFor the first few days, apply an ice\n                  pack for\n15 to 20\nminutes.\nAfter the first few days, try heat\n                  for\n15\nminutes at a time to ease pain. Never\n                  sleep on a heating pad.\nOver-the-counter medicines can help control pain and swelling. Try aspirin or ibuprofen.\nExercise\nExercise can help your back\n                     heal. It also helps your back get stronger and more flexible, helping prevent\n                     reinjury. Ask your healthcare provider about specific exercises for your back.\nUse good posture to prevent reinjury\nWhen moving, bend at the hips and knees. Don’t bend at the waist or twist around.\nWhen lifting, keep the object close to your body. Don’t try to lift more than you\n                        can handle.\nWhen sitting, keep your lower back supported. Use a rolled-up towel as needed.\nKey points about lumbar strain\nLumbar refers to your lower back.\nStrain can cause damage to the tendons and muscles causing pain and soreness.\nNonsurgical methods can cure most low back pain.\nCall your healthcare provider if\n                  symptoms don’t get better over the next few days or if symptoms get worse.\nNext steps\nTips to help you get the most from a visit to your healthcare\n               provider:\nKnow the reason for your visit and what you want to happen.\nBefore your visit, write down questions you want answered.\nBring someone with you to help you ask questions and remember\n                  what your provider tells you.\nAt the visit, write down the name of a new diagnosis, and any\n                  new medicines, treatments, or tests. Also write down any new instructions your\n                  provider gives you.\nKnow why a new medicine or treatment is prescribed, and how it\n                  will help you. Also know what the side effects are.\nAsk if your condition can be treated in other ways.\nKnow why a test or procedure is recommended and what the results\n                  could mean.\nKnow what to expect if you do not take the medicine or have the\n                  test or procedure.\nIf you have a follow-up appointment, write down the date, time,\n                  and purpose for that visit.\nKnow how you can contact your provider if you have questions,\n                  especially after office hours or on weekends.\nMedical Reviewer:\nRahul Banerjee MD\nMedical Reviewer:\nRaymond Turley Jr PA-C\nMedical Reviewer:\nStacey Wojcik MBA BSN RN\n© 2000-2025 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. 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Diagnostics](https:\/\/www.cedars-sinai.org\/health-library\/conditions-and-treatments.html)\n\n[Symptom Checker](https:\/\/www.cedars-sinai.org\/health-library\/symptom-checker.html)\n\n[Video Library](https:\/\/www.cedars-sinai.org\/health-library\/video-library.html)\n\n[Prevention Guidelines](https:\/\/www.cedars-sinai.org\/health-library\/prevention-guidelines.html)\n\n[Health Calculators](https:\/\/www.cedars-sinai.org\/health-library\/health-calculators.html)\n\n[Risk Assessments](https:\/\/www.cedars-sinai.org\/health-library\/risk-assessments.html)\n\n# Lumbar Strain\nNot what you're looking for?\n\n[Start New Search](https:\/\/www.cedars-sinai.org\/health-library.html)\n\n[ABOUT](https:\/\/www.cedars-sinai.org\/health-library\/diseases-and-conditions\/l\/lumbar-strain.html#what-is-disease) [CAUSES](https:\/\/www.cedars-sinai.org\/health-library\/diseases-and-conditions\/l\/lumbar-strain.html#causes) [DIAGNOSIS](https:\/\/www.cedars-sinai.org\/health-library\/diseases-and-conditions\/l\/lumbar-strain.html#how-diagnosed) [TREATMENT](https:\/\/www.cedars-sinai.org\/health-library\/diseases-and-conditions\/l\/lumbar-strain.html#treatment) [NEXT STEPS](https:\/\/www.cedars-sinai.org\/health-library\/diseases-and-conditions\/l\/lumbar-strain.html#action-alert)\n\n## What is a lumbar strain?\nA lumbar strain is an injury to the low back. This leads to damaged tendons and muscles that can spasm and feel sore. The lumbar vertebrae make up the section of the spine in your low back.\n\n![Side view of male outline showing spine.](https:\/\/api.kramesstaywell.com\/Content\/1d206d16-6296-48d5-a40f-a752015c9613\/medical-illustrations\/Images\/P01360_2)\n\n## What causes lumbar strain?\nInjury can damage the tendons and muscles in the low back. Pushing and pulling sports, such as weightlifting or football, can lead to a lumbar strain. So can sports that need sudden twisting of the low back. These include tennis, basketball, baseball, and golf.\n\nCertain risk factors can increase the risk for this injury. The risk factors are:\n\n- Severe low back curvature\n- Forward-tilted pelvis\n- Weak back or belly (abdominal) muscles\n- Tight hamstrings\n\n## What are the symptoms of lumbar strain?\n. Each person's symptoms may be different. Symptoms may include:\n\n- Sudden low back pain\n- Spasms in the low back that result in more severe pain\n- Low back feels sore to the touch\n\nSome of these symptoms may be caused by other health problems. Always talk with your healthcare provider for a diagnosis.\n\n## How is lumbar strain diagnosed?\nThe provider will take a complete health history and do a physical exam. Special tests are not often needed for diagnosis. But you may have some tests done such as:\n\n- **X-ray.** A diagnostic test that makes images of internal tissues, bones, and organs onto film.\n- **CT scan.** This is an imaging test that uses X-rays and a computer to make detailed images of the body. It shows details of the bones, muscles, fat, and organs.\n\n- **MRI.** This test uses a combination of large magnets, radiofrequencies, and a computer. It makes detailed images of organs and structures in the body.\n- **Radionuclide bone scan.** A nuclear imaging method that uses a very small amount of radioactive material. This is injected into your blood to be found by a scanner. This test shows blood flow to the bone and cell activity in the bone.\n- **Electromyogram.** A test to check nerve and muscle function.\n\n## How is lumbar strain treated?\nTreatment will depend on your symptoms, age, and general health. It will also depend on how bad the condition is.\n\nTreatment may include:\n\n- Rest\n- Ice packs or heat and compression applied to the back\n- Exercises (to strengthen the abdominal muscles)\n- Stretching and strengthening exercises (for the low back as it heals)\n- Learning how to use and wear correct protective equipment\n\nMedicines may also be used to ease pain and inflammation. These include anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxants, and spinal injections.\n\n## When should I call my healthcare provider?\nCall your healthcare provider if you have any of these:\n\n- Can't stand or walk\n- Temperature over 101.0°F (38.3°C) or as advised by your provider\n- Chills\n- Frequent, painful, or bloody urination\n- Severe belly pain\n- Sharp, stabbing pain\n- Constant pain\n- Pain or numbness in your leg\n- Pain in a new area of your back\n- The pain isn’t decreasing after more than a week\n\nCall your healthcare provider right away if you have any of these:\n\n- Pain spreading down the leg.\n- Pain as well as fever or chills, leg weakness, or loss of control of the bladder or bowels.\n\n## Living with lumbar strain\nCold reduces swelling. Both cold and heat can reduce pain. Protect your skin by placing a towel between your body and the ice or heat source.\n\n- For the first few days, apply an ice pack for 15 to 20 minutes.\n- After the first few days, try heat for  15 minutes at a time to ease pain. Never sleep on a heating pad.\n- Over-the-counter medicines can help control pain and swelling. Try aspirin or ibuprofen.\n### Exercise\nExercise can help your back heal. It also helps your back get stronger and more flexible, helping prevent reinjury. Ask your healthcare provider about specific exercises for your back.\n\n### Use good posture to prevent reinjury\n- When moving, bend at the hips and knees. Don’t bend at the waist or twist around.\n- When lifting, keep the object close to your body. Don’t try to lift more than you can handle.\n- When sitting, keep your lower back supported. Use a rolled-up towel as needed.\n\n## Key points about lumbar strain\n- Lumbar refers to your lower back.\n- Strain can cause damage to the tendons and muscles causing pain and soreness.\n- Nonsurgical methods can cure most low back pain.\n- Call your healthcare provider if symptoms don’t get better over the next few days or if symptoms get worse.\n\n## Next steps\nTips to help you get the most from a visit to your healthcare provider:\n\n- Know the reason for your visit and what you want to happen.\n- Before your visit, write down questions you want answered.\n- Bring someone with you to help you ask questions and remember what your provider tells you.\n- At the visit, write down the name of a new diagnosis, and any new medicines, treatments, or tests. Also write down any new instructions your provider gives you.\n- Know why a new medicine or treatment is prescribed, and how it will help you. Also know what the side effects are.\n- Ask if your condition can be treated in other ways.\n- Know why a test or procedure is recommended and what the results could mean.\n- Know what to expect if you do not take the medicine or have the test or procedure.\n- If you have a follow-up appointment, write down the date, time, and purpose for that visit.\n- Know how you can contact your provider if you have questions, especially after office hours or on weekends.\n\nMedical Reviewer: Rahul Banerjee MD\n\nMedical Reviewer: Raymond Turley Jr PA-C\n\nMedical Reviewer: Stacey Wojcik MBA BSN RN\n\n© 2000-2025 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. 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The lumbar vertebrae make up the section of the spine in your low back.\n\n![Side view of male outline showing spine.](https:\/\/api.kramesstaywell.com\/Content\/1d206d16-6296-48d5-a40f-a752015c9613\/medical-illustrations\/Images\/P01360_2)\n\n## What causes lumbar strain?\nInjury can damage the tendons and muscles in the low back. Pushing and pulling sports, such as weightlifting or football, can lead to a lumbar strain. So can sports that need sudden twisting of the low back. These include tennis, basketball, baseball, and golf.\n\nCertain risk factors can increase the risk for this injury. The risk factors are:\n\n- Severe low back curvature\n- Forward-tilted pelvis\n- Weak back or belly (abdominal) muscles\n- Tight hamstrings\n\n## What are the symptoms of lumbar strain?\n. Each person's symptoms may be different. Symptoms may include:\n\n- Sudden low back pain\n- Spasms in the low back that result in more severe pain\n- Low back feels sore to the touch\n\nSome of these symptoms may be caused by other health problems. Always talk with your healthcare provider for a diagnosis.\n\n## How is lumbar strain diagnosed?\nThe provider will take a complete health history and do a physical exam. Special tests are not often needed for diagnosis. But you may have some tests done such as:\n\n- **X-ray.** A diagnostic test that makes images of internal tissues, bones, and organs onto film.\n- **CT scan.** This is an imaging test that uses X-rays and a computer to make detailed images of the body. It shows details of the bones, muscles, fat, and organs.\n\n- **MRI.** This test uses a combination of large magnets, radiofrequencies, and a computer. It makes detailed images of organs and structures in the body.\n- **Radionuclide bone scan.** A nuclear imaging method that uses a very small amount of radioactive material. This is injected into your blood to be found by a scanner. This test shows blood flow to the bone and cell activity in the bone.\n- **Electromyogram.** A test to check nerve and muscle function.\n\n## How is lumbar strain treated?\nTreatment will depend on your symptoms, age, and general health. It will also depend on how bad the condition is.\n\nTreatment may include:\n\n- Rest\n- Ice packs or heat and compression applied to the back\n- Exercises (to strengthen the abdominal muscles)\n- Stretching and strengthening exercises (for the low back as it heals)\n- Learning how to use and wear correct protective equipment\n\nMedicines may also be used to ease pain and inflammation. These include anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxants, and spinal injections.\n\n## When should I call my healthcare provider?\nCall your healthcare provider if you have any of these:\n\n- Can't stand or walk\n- Temperature over 101.0°F (38.3°C) or as advised by your provider\n- Chills\n- Frequent, painful, or bloody urination\n- Severe belly pain\n- Sharp, stabbing pain\n- Constant pain\n- Pain or numbness in your leg\n- Pain in a new area of your back\n- The pain isn’t decreasing after more than a week\n\nCall your healthcare provider right away if you have any of these:\n\n- Pain spreading down the leg.\n- Pain as well as fever or chills, leg weakness, or loss of control of the bladder or bowels.\n\n## Living with lumbar strain\nCold reduces swelling. Both cold and heat can reduce pain. Protect your skin by placing a towel between your body and the ice or heat source.\n\n- For the first few days, apply an ice pack for 15 to 20 minutes.\n- After the first few days, try heat for  15 minutes at a time to ease pain. Never sleep on a heating pad.\n- Over-the-counter medicines can help control pain and swelling. Try aspirin or ibuprofen.\n### Exercise\nExercise can help your back heal. It also helps your back get stronger and more flexible, helping prevent reinjury. Ask your healthcare provider about specific exercises for your back.\n\n### Use good posture to prevent reinjury\n- When moving, bend at the hips and knees. Don’t bend at the waist or twist around.\n- When lifting, keep the object close to your body. Don’t try to lift more than you can handle.\n- When sitting, keep your lower back supported. Use a rolled-up towel as needed.\n\n## Key points about lumbar strain\n- Lumbar refers to your lower back.\n- Strain can cause damage to the tendons and muscles causing pain and soreness.\n- Nonsurgical methods can cure most low back pain.\n- Call your healthcare provider if symptoms don’t get better over the next few days or if symptoms get worse.\n\n## Next steps\nTips to help you get the most from a visit to your healthcare provider:\n\n- Know the reason for your visit and what you want to happen.\n- Before your visit, write down questions you want answered.\n- Bring someone with you to help you ask questions and remember what your provider tells you.\n- At the visit, write down the name of a new diagnosis, and any new medicines, treatments, or tests. Also write down any new instructions your provider gives you.\n- Know why a new medicine or treatment is prescribed, and how it will help you. Also know what the side effects are.\n- Ask if your condition can be treated in other ways.\n- Know why a test or procedure is recommended and what the results could mean.\n- Know what to expect if you do not take the medicine or have the test or procedure.\n- If you have a follow-up appointment, write down the date, time, and purpose for that visit.\n- Know how you can contact your provider if you have questions, especially after office hours or on weekends.\n\nMedical Reviewer: Rahul Banerjee MD\n\nMedical Reviewer: Raymond Turley Jr PA-C\n\nMedical Reviewer: Stacey Wojcik MBA BSN RN\n\n© 2000-2025 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.\n\nNot what you're looking for?","meta_canonical":null}

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Boilerpipe Text	Lumbar Strain Not what you're looking for? What is a lumbar strain? A lumbar strain is an injury to the low back. This leads to damaged tendons and muscles that can spasm and feel sore. The lumbar vertebrae make up the section of the spine in your low back. What causes lumbar strain? Injury can damage the tendons and muscles in the low back. Pushing and pulling sports, such as weightlifting or football, can lead to a lumbar strain. So can sports that need sudden twisting of the low back. These include tennis, basketball, baseball, and golf. Certain risk factors can increase the risk for this injury. The risk factors are: Severe low back curvature Forward-tilted pelvis Weak back or belly (abdominal) muscles Tight hamstrings What are the symptoms of lumbar strain? . Each person's symptoms may be different. Symptoms may include: Sudden low back pain Spasms in the low back that result in more severe pain Low back feels sore to the touch Some of these symptoms may be caused by other health problems. Always talk with your healthcare provider for a diagnosis. How is lumbar strain diagnosed? The provider will take a complete health history and do a physical exam. Special tests are not often needed for diagnosis. But you may have some tests done such as: X-ray. A diagnostic test that makes images of internal tissues, bones, and organs onto film. CT scan. This is an imaging test that uses X-rays and a computer to make detailed images of the body. It shows details of the bones, muscles, fat, and organs. MRI. This test uses a combination of large magnets, radiofrequencies, and a computer. It makes detailed images of organs and structures in the body. Radionuclide bone scan. A nuclear imaging method that uses a very small amount of radioactive material. This is injected into your blood to be found by a scanner. This test shows blood flow to the bone and cell activity in the bone. Electromyogram. A test to check nerve and muscle function. How is lumbar strain treated? Treatment will depend on your symptoms, age, and general health. It will also depend on how bad the condition is. Treatment may include: Rest Ice packs or heat and compression applied to the back Exercises (to strengthen the abdominal muscles) Stretching and strengthening exercises (for the low back as it heals) Learning how to use and wear correct protective equipment Medicines may also be used to ease pain and inflammation. These include anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxants, and spinal injections. When should I call my healthcare provider? Call your healthcare provider if you have any of these: Can't stand or walk Temperature over 101.0°F (38.3°C) or as advised by your provider Chills Frequent, painful, or bloody urination Severe belly pain Sharp, stabbing pain Constant pain Pain or numbness in your leg Pain in a new area of your back The pain isn’t decreasing after more than a week Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of these: Pain spreading down the leg. Pain as well as fever or chills, leg weakness, or loss of control of the bladder or bowels. Living with lumbar strain Cold reduces swelling. Both cold and heat can reduce pain. Protect your skin by placing a towel between your body and the ice or heat source. For the first few days, apply an ice pack for 15 to 20 minutes. After the first few days, try heat for 15 minutes at a time to ease pain. Never sleep on a heating pad. Over-the-counter medicines can help control pain and swelling. Try aspirin or ibuprofen. Exercise Exercise can help your back heal. It also helps your back get stronger and more flexible, helping prevent reinjury. Ask your healthcare provider about specific exercises for your back. Use good posture to prevent reinjury When moving, bend at the hips and knees. Don’t bend at the waist or twist around. When lifting, keep the object close to your body. Don’t try to lift more than you can handle. When sitting, keep your lower back supported. Use a rolled-up towel as needed. Key points about lumbar strain Lumbar refers to your lower back. Strain can cause damage to the tendons and muscles causing pain and soreness. Nonsurgical methods can cure most low back pain. Call your healthcare provider if symptoms don’t get better over the next few days or if symptoms get worse. Next steps Tips to help you get the most from a visit to your healthcare provider: Know the reason for your visit and what you want to happen. Before your visit, write down questions you want answered. Bring someone with you to help you ask questions and remember what your provider tells you. At the visit, write down the name of a new diagnosis, and any new medicines, treatments, or tests. Also write down any new instructions your provider gives you. Know why a new medicine or treatment is prescribed, and how it will help you. Also know what the side effects are. Ask if your condition can be treated in other ways. Know why a test or procedure is recommended and what the results could mean. Know what to expect if you do not take the medicine or have the test or procedure. If you have a follow-up appointment, write down the date, time, and purpose for that visit. Know how you can contact your provider if you have questions, especially after office hours or on weekends. Medical Reviewer: Rahul Banerjee MD Medical Reviewer: Raymond Turley Jr PA-C Medical Reviewer: Stacey Wojcik MBA BSN RN © 2000-2025 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions. Not what you're looking for?
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[Start New Search](https://www.cedars-sinai.org/health-library.html) [ABOUT](https://www.cedars-sinai.org/health-library/diseases-and-conditions/l/lumbar-strain.html#what-is-disease) [CAUSES](https://www.cedars-sinai.org/health-library/diseases-and-conditions/l/lumbar-strain.html#causes) [DIAGNOSIS](https://www.cedars-sinai.org/health-library/diseases-and-conditions/l/lumbar-strain.html#how-diagnosed) [TREATMENT](https://www.cedars-sinai.org/health-library/diseases-and-conditions/l/lumbar-strain.html#treatment) [NEXT STEPS](https://www.cedars-sinai.org/health-library/diseases-and-conditions/l/lumbar-strain.html#action-alert) ## What is a lumbar strain? A lumbar strain is an injury to the low back. This leads to damaged tendons and muscles that can spasm and feel sore. The lumbar vertebrae make up the section of the spine in your low back. ![Side view of male outline showing spine.](https://api.kramesstaywell.com/Content/1d206d16-6296-48d5-a40f-a752015c9613/medical-illustrations/Images/P01360_2) ## What causes lumbar strain? Injury can damage the tendons and muscles in the low back. Pushing and pulling sports, such as weightlifting or football, can lead to a lumbar strain. So can sports that need sudden twisting of the low back. These include tennis, basketball, baseball, and golf. Certain risk factors can increase the risk for this injury. The risk factors are: - Severe low back curvature - Forward-tilted pelvis - Weak back or belly (abdominal) muscles - Tight hamstrings ## What are the symptoms of lumbar strain? . Each person's symptoms may be different. Symptoms may include: - Sudden low back pain - Spasms in the low back that result in more severe pain - Low back feels sore to the touch Some of these symptoms may be caused by other health problems. Always talk with your healthcare provider for a diagnosis. ## How is lumbar strain diagnosed? The provider will take a complete health history and do a physical exam. Special tests are not often needed for diagnosis. But you may have some tests done such as: - X-ray. A diagnostic test that makes images of internal tissues, bones, and organs onto film. - CT scan. This is an imaging test that uses X-rays and a computer to make detailed images of the body. It shows details of the bones, muscles, fat, and organs. - MRI. This test uses a combination of large magnets, radiofrequencies, and a computer. It makes detailed images of organs and structures in the body. - Radionuclide bone scan. A nuclear imaging method that uses a very small amount of radioactive material. This is injected into your blood to be found by a scanner. This test shows blood flow to the bone and cell activity in the bone. - Electromyogram. A test to check nerve and muscle function. ## How is lumbar strain treated? Treatment will depend on your symptoms, age, and general health. It will also depend on how bad the condition is. Treatment may include: - Rest - Ice packs or heat and compression applied to the back - Exercises (to strengthen the abdominal muscles) - Stretching and strengthening exercises (for the low back as it heals) - Learning how to use and wear correct protective equipment Medicines may also be used to ease pain and inflammation. These include anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxants, and spinal injections. ## When should I call my healthcare provider? Call your healthcare provider if you have any of these: - Can't stand or walk - Temperature over 101.0°F (38.3°C) or as advised by your provider - Chills - Frequent, painful, or bloody urination - Severe belly pain - Sharp, stabbing pain - Constant pain - Pain or numbness in your leg - Pain in a new area of your back - The pain isn’t decreasing after more than a week Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of these: - Pain spreading down the leg. - Pain as well as fever or chills, leg weakness, or loss of control of the bladder or bowels. ## Living with lumbar strain Cold reduces swelling. Both cold and heat can reduce pain. Protect your skin by placing a towel between your body and the ice or heat source. - For the first few days, apply an ice pack for 15 to 20 minutes. - After the first few days, try heat for 15 minutes at a time to ease pain. Never sleep on a heating pad. - Over-the-counter medicines can help control pain and swelling. Try aspirin or ibuprofen. ### Exercise Exercise can help your back heal. It also helps your back get stronger and more flexible, helping prevent reinjury. Ask your healthcare provider about specific exercises for your back. ### Use good posture to prevent reinjury - When moving, bend at the hips and knees. Don’t bend at the waist or twist around. - When lifting, keep the object close to your body. Don’t try to lift more than you can handle. - When sitting, keep your lower back supported. Use a rolled-up towel as needed. ## Key points about lumbar strain - Lumbar refers to your lower back. - Strain can cause damage to the tendons and muscles causing pain and soreness. - Nonsurgical methods can cure most low back pain. - Call your healthcare provider if symptoms don’t get better over the next few days or if symptoms get worse. ## Next steps Tips to help you get the most from a visit to your healthcare provider: - Know the reason for your visit and what you want to happen. - Before your visit, write down questions you want answered. - Bring someone with you to help you ask questions and remember what your provider tells you. - At the visit, write down the name of a new diagnosis, and any new medicines, treatments, or tests. Also write down any new instructions your provider gives you. - Know why a new medicine or treatment is prescribed, and how it will help you. Also know what the side effects are. - Ask if your condition can be treated in other ways. - Know why a test or procedure is recommended and what the results could mean. - Know what to expect if you do not take the medicine or have the test or procedure. - If you have a follow-up appointment, write down the date, time, and purpose for that visit. - Know how you can contact your provider if you have questions, especially after office hours or on weekends. Medical Reviewer: Rahul Banerjee MD Medical Reviewer: Raymond Turley Jr PA-C Medical Reviewer: Stacey Wojcik MBA BSN RN © 2000-2025 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions. Not what you're looking for? [Start New Search](https://www.cedars-sinai.org/health-library.html) Want More Information? Cedars-Sinai has a range of comprehensive treatment options. 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Readable Markdown	## Lumbar Strain Not what you're looking for? ## What is a lumbar strain? A lumbar strain is an injury to the low back. This leads to damaged tendons and muscles that can spasm and feel sore. The lumbar vertebrae make up the section of the spine in your low back. ![Side view of male outline showing spine.](https://api.kramesstaywell.com/Content/1d206d16-6296-48d5-a40f-a752015c9613/medical-illustrations/Images/P01360_2) ## What causes lumbar strain? Injury can damage the tendons and muscles in the low back. Pushing and pulling sports, such as weightlifting or football, can lead to a lumbar strain. So can sports that need sudden twisting of the low back. These include tennis, basketball, baseball, and golf. Certain risk factors can increase the risk for this injury. The risk factors are: - Severe low back curvature - Forward-tilted pelvis - Weak back or belly (abdominal) muscles - Tight hamstrings ## What are the symptoms of lumbar strain? . Each person's symptoms may be different. Symptoms may include: - Sudden low back pain - Spasms in the low back that result in more severe pain - Low back feels sore to the touch Some of these symptoms may be caused by other health problems. Always talk with your healthcare provider for a diagnosis. ## How is lumbar strain diagnosed? The provider will take a complete health history and do a physical exam. Special tests are not often needed for diagnosis. But you may have some tests done such as: - X-ray. A diagnostic test that makes images of internal tissues, bones, and organs onto film. - CT scan. This is an imaging test that uses X-rays and a computer to make detailed images of the body. It shows details of the bones, muscles, fat, and organs. - MRI. This test uses a combination of large magnets, radiofrequencies, and a computer. It makes detailed images of organs and structures in the body. - Radionuclide bone scan. A nuclear imaging method that uses a very small amount of radioactive material. This is injected into your blood to be found by a scanner. This test shows blood flow to the bone and cell activity in the bone. - Electromyogram. A test to check nerve and muscle function. ## How is lumbar strain treated? Treatment will depend on your symptoms, age, and general health. It will also depend on how bad the condition is. Treatment may include: - Rest - Ice packs or heat and compression applied to the back - Exercises (to strengthen the abdominal muscles) - Stretching and strengthening exercises (for the low back as it heals) - Learning how to use and wear correct protective equipment Medicines may also be used to ease pain and inflammation. These include anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxants, and spinal injections. ## When should I call my healthcare provider? Call your healthcare provider if you have any of these: - Can't stand or walk - Temperature over 101.0°F (38.3°C) or as advised by your provider - Chills - Frequent, painful, or bloody urination - Severe belly pain - Sharp, stabbing pain - Constant pain - Pain or numbness in your leg - Pain in a new area of your back - The pain isn’t decreasing after more than a week Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of these: - Pain spreading down the leg. - Pain as well as fever or chills, leg weakness, or loss of control of the bladder or bowels. ## Living with lumbar strain Cold reduces swelling. Both cold and heat can reduce pain. Protect your skin by placing a towel between your body and the ice or heat source. - For the first few days, apply an ice pack for 15 to 20 minutes. - After the first few days, try heat for 15 minutes at a time to ease pain. Never sleep on a heating pad. - Over-the-counter medicines can help control pain and swelling. Try aspirin or ibuprofen. ### Exercise Exercise can help your back heal. It also helps your back get stronger and more flexible, helping prevent reinjury. Ask your healthcare provider about specific exercises for your back. ### Use good posture to prevent reinjury - When moving, bend at the hips and knees. Don’t bend at the waist or twist around. - When lifting, keep the object close to your body. Don’t try to lift more than you can handle. - When sitting, keep your lower back supported. Use a rolled-up towel as needed. ## Key points about lumbar strain - Lumbar refers to your lower back. - Strain can cause damage to the tendons and muscles causing pain and soreness. - Nonsurgical methods can cure most low back pain. - Call your healthcare provider if symptoms don’t get better over the next few days or if symptoms get worse. ## Next steps Tips to help you get the most from a visit to your healthcare provider: - Know the reason for your visit and what you want to happen. - Before your visit, write down questions you want answered. - Bring someone with you to help you ask questions and remember what your provider tells you. - At the visit, write down the name of a new diagnosis, and any new medicines, treatments, or tests. Also write down any new instructions your provider gives you. - Know why a new medicine or treatment is prescribed, and how it will help you. Also know what the side effects are. - Ask if your condition can be treated in other ways. - Know why a test or procedure is recommended and what the results could mean. - Know what to expect if you do not take the medicine or have the test or procedure. - If you have a follow-up appointment, write down the date, time, and purpose for that visit. - Know how you can contact your provider if you have questions, especially after office hours or on weekends. Medical Reviewer: Rahul Banerjee MD Medical Reviewer: Raymond Turley Jr PA-C Medical Reviewer: Stacey Wojcik MBA BSN RN © 2000-2025 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions. Not what you're looking for?
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