There is an essential difference between lumbar muscle strain and kidney deficiency, which are completely different conditions. Lumbar muscle strain is caused by pain in the lower back after prolonged and heavy physical labor or strenuous exercise. In the case of kidney deficiency, the patient may experience soreness and swelling in the lower back, as well as sweating and general weakness.

Patients with lumbar muscle strain can be relieved by rest or massage, while patients with kidney deficiency can be treated with kidney tonic drugs.