Low back pain is the first symptom of various diseases of the musculoskeletal system.Sudden bursts of pain in the lower back can take anyone by surprise.Below we will find out what and how to treat them.
Causes and diagnosis.
The lumbar area is the most vulnerable part of the back in people with a sedentary lifestyle.After all, it supports the weight of the body during sedentary work.Causes of pain:
- osteochondrosis;
- injuries;
- protrusion of intervertebral discs;
- nerve compression;
- excessive physical activity (lifting heavy objects);
- sedentary work;
- overweight.
To begin with, pathological causes must be excluded: various diseases of the vertebrae.To do this, you must consult a doctor and undergo an examination.
Severe, unbearable pain in the lower back after an injury or lifting heavy objects 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.
Therapy methods
Treating low back pain requires a comprehensive approach.Pain itself is not a disease, but only its consequence, so therapy aims to eliminate the cause of the discomfort.
A combination of the following methods is used for treatment:
- drug therapy;
- physiotherapy;
- Exercise and massage therapy;
- using a fixation corset.
Each method has a number of characteristics that depend on the exact diagnosis.It is difficult to independently draw up an effective treatment regimen without knowing the exact diagnosis, so it is imperative to consult a doctor.
Pharmacological treatment
Before starting treatment, it is necessary to understand both the causes and nature of low back pain.The following are used in therapy:
- pain relievers;
- hot ointments;
- chondroprotectors;
- vitamins.
To quickly relieve pain, you can take pain relievers.Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs help with back pain.The therapeutic dose of the selected drug is sufficient to eliminate pain of moderate intensity in about 3-4 hours.If the cause of the discomfort is not addressed, the pain will return again.
Warm ointments help eliminate swelling by stimulating local blood circulation.Some drugs in this group contain an anesthetic that effectively eliminates pain.
Ointments or gels are applied to the affected area with gentle movements and then gently rubbed.
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 recovery.
Physiotherapy and massages.
In most cases, back pain is associated with an injury or poor circulation in this area.Physiotherapy is recommended to restore metabolic processes.
For low back pain, the following are most often prescribed:
- magnetic therapy;
- electrophoresis;
- ultrahigh frequency;
- mud applications;
- Paraffin heating.
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 eliminate pain and prevent its recurrence.The massage is performed only by a specialist, the minimum course is 10 procedures.
Therapeutic exercises
Physiotherapy and exercise therapy are the best method to eliminate pain and prevent its recurrence.Exercises can be performed only after the cause of the discomfort has been determined.
Physical activity is prohibited during exacerbation of osteochondrosis, disc protrusion and intervertebral disc herniations in the acute phase.In these cases, they switch to exercise therapy only after treatment with medications.
You can do the exercises both in the clinic's rehabilitation room and at home.At home the following complex is recommended.
- "Boat".You should start training with this exercise, as it prepares your lower back to continue working.You should 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, as you inhale, relax and at the same time bend your lower back.
- Leg lifts.Lie on your back, spread 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 face down, 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 towards your chest and hold in this position for 5 seconds.
Each exercise must be performed 15 times.It is recommended to perform exercise therapy daily.When exercises start to seem too easy, you can ask your doctor about going to the gym.Strengthening your back muscles will reduce the risk of pain recurrence.
For serious illnesses, special classes with a rehabilitation specialist are recommended - kinesiotherapy.
Non-traditional treatment methods
Once you have understood what official medicine has to offer, you can turn your attention to alternative treatment methods.These include:
- acupuncture - impact of needles on special points on 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 must lie with your lower back.The impact of the needles stimulates local blood circulation and improves metabolic processes.The applicator is indicated for muscle and joint pain, neuralgia and muscle tension.You can buy it at any medical equipment store.
Folk remedies
For back pain in the lumbar region, treatment can be complemented with home remedies.Various compresses and rubs are traditionally used.
- Take a quarter glass of lilac flowers, pour 100 ml of vodka and leave for two weeks in a dark place.Use the product to rub the affected area.
- Shred a white cabbage leaf with your fingers, apply honey to it and apply it on back pain.Wrap a warm scarf on top and leave for 4 hours.
- Grind horseradish root, mix in equal proportions with honey and apply to the lower back under a compress.Leave the product on overnight.
- Apply pepper tincture to a towel and rub the lower back area well, moving from bottom to top.It is recommended to do it before going to bed;after rubbing, the lumbar area 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.
The compresses should be done once a day, rubbing, in the morning and at night.The duration of treatment is at least 10 days.It is recommended to combine home remedies with massages and physiotherapy.
Surgery
Surgical intervention is indicated only in cases of advanced osteochondrosis, degenerative-dystrophic changes in intervertebral discs, herniation and protrusion.Surgery is prescribed when conservative therapy is ineffective.
Due to the high risk of complications, surgery is a treatment of last resort 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 use the belt after applying warm ointment or warm compress.
A surgical corset will only help if your back pain is caused by poor posture.This product will fix the lumbar area in a physiologically correct position and ensure normal distribution of body weight.
First aid for shooting.
Acute low back pain can force a person to stay in bed for several days.The most effective way to treat low back pain is a novocaine blockade.The doctor gives an injection to the affected area, which reduces the nerves' sensitivity to pain for 3 to 14 days.
At home you can try the following:
- take an NSAID medication;
- apply warm ointment to the affected area;
- wear a dog hair belt;
- observe bed rest.
The pain will go away 30 to 40 minutes after taking the medicine.Bed rest should be observed during the day.
Prevention
One thing to remember about prevention is this:
- get 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 daily life and men are advised to avoid lifting heavy objects.