Lower back pain is the first symptom of various diseases of the musculoskeletal system.Sudden bursts of pain in the lumbar region can take anyone by surprise.Next, we’ll figure out what and how to treat them.
Causes and diagnosis
The lower back is the most vulnerable part of the back in people with a sedentary lifestyle.After all, it bears the weight of the body during sedentary work.Causes of pain:
- osteochondrosis;
- injuries;
- protrusion of intervertebral discs;
- nerve compression;
- excessive physical activity (heavy lifting);
- sedentary work;
- overweight.
To begin with, pathological causes should be excluded - various diseases of the vertebrae.To do this, you need to see a doctor and undergo an examination.
Severe excruciating pain in the lower back after an injury or heavy lifting is a reason to immediately consult a specialist.This symptom may indicate protrusion or herniation of intervertebral discs.
For diagnosis, X-rays and examination are most often sufficient; in severe cases, the doctor may prescribe an MRI.You can cope with non-pathological pain on your own.
Methods of therapy
Treatment of low back pain requires a comprehensive approach.Pain itself is not a disease, but only its consequence, so therapy is aimed at eliminating the cause of discomfort.
A combination of the following methods is used for treatment:
- drug therapy;
- physiotherapy;
- Exercise therapy and massage;
- wearing a fixing corset.
Each method has a number of features that depend on the exact diagnosis.It is difficult to independently draw up an effective treatment regimen without knowing the exact diagnosis, so consultation with a doctor is mandatory.
Drug treatment
Before starting treatment, you need to understand both the causes and nature of lumbar pain.The following are used in therapy:
- painkillers;
- warming ointments;
- chondroprotectors;
- vitamins.
To quickly relieve pain, you can take painkillers.Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs help with back pain.The therapeutic dose of the selected drug is enough to eliminate pain of moderate intensity for about 3-4 hours.If the cause of the discomfort is not addressed, the pain will return again.
Warming ointments help eliminate swelling as they stimulate local blood circulation.Some drugs in this group contain an anesthetic, which effectively eliminates pain.
Ointments or gels are applied to the affected area with gentle movements, then gently rubbed in.
Chondroprotectors are drugs that restore the elasticity of cartilage tissue.Prescribed for osteochondrosis or for its prevention.Vitamin supplements can also be used to speed up recovery.
Physiotherapy and massage
In most cases, back pain is associated either with injury or with poor circulation in this area.Physiotherapy is recommended to restore metabolic processes.
For lower back pain, the following are most often prescribed:
- magnetic therapy;
- electrophoresis;
- UHF;
- mud applications;
- heating with paraffin.
For muscle tension and degenerative-dystrophic processes in the vertebrae, electrophoresis with nicotinic acid or another vasodilator has worked well.
Manual therapy is another effective method to get rid of pain and prevent its recurrence.Massage is performed only by a specialist, the minimum course is 10 procedures.
Therapeutic exercises
Physical therapy and exercise therapy is the best method of getting rid of pain and preventing its recurrence.Exercises can be done only after the cause of the discomfort has been determined.
Physical activity is prohibited during exacerbation of osteochondrosis, disc protrusion and herniated intervertebral discs in the acute phase.In these cases, they switch to exercise therapy only after a course of drug therapy.
You can perform the exercises both in the rehabilitation room at the clinic and at home.At home, the following complex is recommended.
- "Boat".You need to start training with this exercise, as it prepares the lower back for further work.You need to lie on the floor with your arms extended forward.As you exhale, lift your chest and pelvis off the floor, stretch your arms and legs in different directions, and as you inhale, lower your body to the floor.
- "Cat".Get on all fours, place your hands on the floor directly under your chest.As you exhale, round your back, while inhaling, relax, simultaneously bending in the lumbar region.
- Leg lift.Lie on your back, extend your arms along your body, bend one leg at the knee.Slowly raise your bent leg as high as possible.Perform 15 times for each leg.
- "Pendulum".Lie on your stomach, place your hands behind your back and grab your ankles.Bend your lower back as much as possible, rocking your body.
- Lie on your back, bend your knees.Wrap your arms around your legs, pull them to your chest and hold in this position for 5 seconds.
Each exercise should be performed 15 times.It is recommended to do exercise therapy daily.When the exercises start to seem too easy, you can consult your doctor about going to the gym.Strengthening the back muscles will reduce the risk of recurrence of pain.
For severe illnesses, special classes with a rehabilitation specialist are recommended - kinesiotherapy.
Non-traditional treatment methods
Having understood what official medicine has to offer, you can turn your attention to alternative treatment methods.These include:
- acupuncture - the impact of needles on special points of the body;
- apitherapy - treatment with bee stings;
- hirudotherapy - treatment with leeches.
At home, a needle applicator will come to the rescue.It is a mat with spikes on which you need to lie with your lower back.The impact of needles stimulates local blood circulation and improves metabolic processes.The applicator is indicated for pain in muscles and joints, neuralgia and muscle tension.You can purchase it at any medical equipment store.
Folk remedies
For back pain in the lumbar region, treatment can be supplemented with folk remedies.Traditionally, various compresses and rubbing are used.
- Take a quarter glass of lilac flowers, pour 100 ml of vodka, leave for two weeks in a dark place.Use the product to rub the affected area.
- Mash a leaf of white cabbage with your fingers, apply honey to it and apply it to your sore back.Wrap a warm scarf on top and leave for 4 hours.
- Grind the horseradish root, mix in equal proportions with honey and apply to the lower back under a compress.Leave the product on all night.
- Apply pepper tincture to a towel and thoroughly rub the lower back, moving from bottom to top.It is recommended to do it before bed; after rubbing, the lower back should be warmed.
- Take a tablespoon of mustard powder, add the same amount of water and 2 large tablespoons of vegetable oil.Apply the mixture to the lower back, secure with gauze or an elastic bandage.After an hour, the composition must be washed off.
Compresses should be done once a day, rubbing - in the morning and evening.The duration of treatment is at least 10 days.It is recommended to combine folk remedies with massage and physical therapy.
Surgery
Surgical intervention is indicated only in cases of advanced osteochondrosis, degenerative-dystrophic changes in the intervertebral discs, hernia and protrusion.Surgery is prescribed when conservative therapy is ineffective.
Due to the high risk of complications, surgery is a last resort treatment when nothing else helps.
Belts and corsets
Belts made from dog hair will help complement home therapy.They will provide gentle warming of the lumbar region.It is recommended to wear the belt after applying a warming ointment or warm compress.
A surgical corset will only help if your back pain is caused by poor posture.This product will fix the lower back in a physiologically correct position and ensure normal distribution of body weight.
First aid for shooting
Acute lower back pain can force a person to bed for several days.The most effective way to treat lumbago is a novocaine blockade.The doctor gives an injection into the affected area, which reduces the sensitivity of the nerves to pain for 3-14 days.
At home you can try the following:
- take an NSAID drug;
- apply warming ointment to the affected area;
- wear a dog hair belt;
- observe bed rest.
The pain will go away 30-40 minutes after taking the drug.Bed rest must be observed during the day.
Prevention
One thing to remember about prevention is the following:
- getting rid of excess weight;
- regular physical activity;
- balanced diet;
- lack of stress;
- maintaining correct posture.
Women are advised to avoid high-heeled dress shoes in everyday life, and men are advised to avoid heavy lifting.