A lumbar muscle strain occurs when one or more of the muscles in the back are subjected to excessive force leading to strained fibers and possible tear. Most commonly this occurs when lifting heavy objects or doing a sudden twisting motion but it can also happen from repetitive activity that overloads the muscle. The muscle is more susceptible to strain when it is weak or in a poor posture. Symptoms of lumbar muscle strain include pain, tenderness, spasm, and possibly swelling. Your therapist will conduct a thorough assessment of the low back muscles and create a custom treatment plan to restore your spinal function and reduce your pain. Your treatment plan may include manual therapy, needling, modalities such as ultrasound or TENS, and a home exercise program to heal the muscle.