Lower back pain is the first symptom of various diseases of the musculoskeletal system.Sudden pain in the lumbar region can surprise anyone.Then we figure out what and how to treat them.
Causes and diagnosis
For sedentary people, the lower back is the most vulnerable part.After all, it bears the weight of the body during sitting work.Causes of pain:
- osteochondrosis;
- injuries;
- protrusion of intervertebral discs;
- nerve compression;
- excessive physical activity (heavy lifting);
- sedentary work;
- overweight.
First of all, it is necessary to exclude pathological causes - various diseases of the vertebrae.For this, you need to consult a doctor and undergo an examination.
Severe aching pain in the lower back after an injury or heavy lifting is a reason to see a specialist immediately.This symptom may indicate a protrusion or herniation of the intervertebral discs.
In most cases, X-ray and examination are sufficient to establish the diagnosis;in severe cases, the doctor may prescribe an MRI.You can deal with non-pathological pain on your own.
Methods of therapy
The treatment of low back pain requires a comprehensive approach.Pain is not a disease in itself, but only a consequence, so the goal of therapy is to eliminate the cause of the discomfort.
A combination of the following methods is used for treatment:
- drug therapy;
- physiotherapy;
- Exercise therapy and massage;
- wears a corset.
Each method has several characteristics that depend on the exact diagnosis.Without knowing the exact diagnosis, it is difficult to set up an effective treatment regimen on your own, so consultation with a doctor is mandatory.
Drug treatment
Before starting treatment, you need to understand the causes and nature of lower back pain.The following are used in therapy:
- pain relievers;
- warming ointments;
- chondroprotectors;
- vitamins.
You can take painkillers for quick pain relief.Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs help with back pain.The therapeutic dose of the selected drug is sufficient to eliminate pain of moderate intensity for about 3-4 hours.If the cause of the discomfort is not treated, the pain will return again.
Warming ointments help to eliminate swelling, as they stimulate local blood circulation.Some drugs in this group contain anesthetics, which effectively eliminate pain.
Apply the ointments or gels to the affected area with gentle movements, then gently rub in.
Chondroprotectors are drugs that restore the elasticity of cartilage tissue.It is prescribed for osteochondrosis or its prevention.Vitamin supplements can also be used to speed healing.
Physiotherapy and massage
In most cases, back pain is associated with either an injury or poor circulation in this area.Physiotherapy is recommended to restore metabolic processes.
In the case of lower back pain, the following are most often prescribed:
- magnet therapy;
- electrophoresis;
- UHF;
- mud applications;
- paraffin heating.
In the case of muscle tension and degenerative-dystrophic processes in the vertebrae, electrophoresis with nicotinic acid or other vasodilators is well proven.
Manual therapy is another effective way to eliminate pain and prevent its recurrence.The massage is performed only by a specialist, the minimum course is 10 procedures.
Therapeutic exercises
Physical therapy and exercise therapy are the best ways to eliminate pain and prevent its recurrence.Exercises can only be performed after determining the cause of the discomfort.
Physical activity is prohibited during the exacerbation of osteochondrosis, disc protrusion and intervertebral disc herniation in the acute phase.In these cases, they switch to exercise only after drug therapy.
You can do the exercises in the clinic's rehabilitation room or at home.At home, the following complex is recommended.
- "Ship".You should start your workout with this exercise as it prepares your lower back for further work.You should lie on the floor with your arms extended forward.As you exhale, lift your chest and pelvis off the floor, extend your arms and legs in different directions, and as you inhale, lower your body to the floor.
- "Cat".Get on all fours, placing your hands on the floor directly under your chest.As you exhale, round your back while inhaling, relax, simultaneously bending the lumbar region.
- Leg lift.Lie on your back, stretch your arms along your body, bend one leg at the knee.Slowly raise your bent leg as high as possible.Do 15 times on each leg.
- "Pendulum".Lie on your stomach, put your hands behind your back and grab his ankles.Bend your lower back as far 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 this position for 5 seconds.
Each exercise should be performed 15 times.We recommend that you do daily exercises.If the exercises seem too easy, talk to your doctor about joining the gym.Strengthening the back muscles reduces the risk of pain recurrence.
In case of serious diseases, special classes with a rehabilitation specialist are recommended - kinesiotherapy.
Non-traditional treatment methods
Once you understand what official medicine has to offer, you can turn your attention to alternative treatment methods.These are:
- acupuncture - the effect of needles on special points of the body;
- apitherapy - bee sting treatment;
- hirudotherapy - treatment with leeches.
At home, a needle applicator will help.This is a mat with spikes on which you should lie on your lower back.The effect of the needles stimulates local blood circulation and improves metabolic processes.The applicator is recommended for muscle and joint pain, neuralgia and muscle tension.You can buy it at any medical equipment store.
Folk remedies
In the case of back pain in the lumbar region, the treatment can be supplemented with folk remedies.Various poultices and rubs are traditionally used.
- Take a quarter of a glass of purple flowers, pour 100 ml of vodka, leave it in a dark place for two weeks.Use the product to rub the affected area.
- Mash a white cabbage leaf with your fingers, apply honey on it, and then apply it to your sore back.Wrap it in a warm scarf and let it stand for 4 hours.
- Horseradish root is ground, mixed in equal proportions with honey, and applied as a poultice to the lower back.Leave the product on overnight.
- Apply paprika tincture to a towel and rub thoroughly over the lower back, working from the bottom up.It is recommended to do it before going to bed;after rubbing, the lower back should be warmed up.
- 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 product must be washed off.
Compresses should be applied once a day, with rubbing - in the morning and in the 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 recommended only in case of advanced osteochondrosis, degenerative-dystrophic changes of the intervertebral discs, hernia and protrusion.Surgical intervention is prescribed if conservative therapy is ineffective.
Because of the high risk of complications, surgery is a last resort when nothing else helps.
Belts and corsets
Belts made of dog hair help complement home therapy.They provide gentle warming in the lumbar region.Wearing the belt is recommended after a warming ointment or warm compress.
A surgical brace only helps if the back pain is caused by bad posture.This product fixes the lower back in a physiologically correct position and ensures a 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 novocaine blockade.The doctor gives an injection to the affected area, which reduces the pain sensitivity of the nerves for 3-14 days.
You can try the following at home:
- take an NSAID medication;
- apply a warming ointment to the affected area;
- wear a dog hair belt;
- observe bed rest.
The pain goes away 30-40 minutes after taking the medicine.Bed rest must be observed during the day.
Prevention
Regarding prevention, one thing is worth paying attention to:
- get rid of excess weight;
- regular physical activity;
- a 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.