Lower back pain is the first symptom of various diseases of the musculoskeletal system.Sudden pain in the lumbar region can surprise anyone.Next, we will 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 weight during sedentary work.Causes of pain:
- osteochondrosis;
- injury;
- intervertebral disc protrusion;
- nerve compression;
- excessive physical activity (heavy lifting);
- sedentary work;
- overweight.
To begin with, pathological causes should be excluded - various vertebral diseases.To do this, you need to see a doctor and undergo an examination.
Severe pain in the lower back after an injury or heavy lifting is a reason to immediately see a specialist.These symptoms may indicate a protrusion or herniation of an intervertebral disc.
For diagnosis, X-rays and examinations are often sufficient;in severe cases, the doctor may prescribe an MRI.You can overcome non-pathological pain yourself.
Therapy methods
Back pain treatment requires a comprehensive approach.Pain itself is not a disease, but only a consequence, so therapy aims to eliminate the cause of discomfort.
A combination of the following methods is used for treatment:
- drug therapy;
- physiotherapy;
- Exercise and massage therapy;
- wear a fixation corset.
Each method has several characteristics that depend on the exact diagnosis.It is difficult to independently create 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 cause and nature of back pain.The following are used in therapy:
- painkillers;
- warming ointment;
- chondroprotector;
- vitamins.
To relieve pain quickly, you can take painkillers.Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs help with back pain.A 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.
Warming ointment helps to relieve swelling because it stimulates local blood circulation.Some drugs in this group contain anesthetics, which effectively relieve pain.
Ointment or gel is applied to the affected area with gentle movements, then rub gently.
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 massage
In most cases, back pain is associated either with an 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 application;
- heating with paraffin.
For muscle tension and degenerative-dystrophic processes in the vertebrae, electrophoresis with nicotinic acid or other vasodilators has worked well.
Manual therapy is another effective method to relieve pain and prevent its recurrence.Massage is performed only by specialists, the minimum course is 10 procedures.
Therapeutic exercises
Physical therapy and exercise therapy are the best ways to relieve pain and prevent it from recurring.Exercise 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 disc in the acute phase.In this case, they turn to exercise therapy only after a course of drug therapy.
You can do exercises in the recovery room at the clinic and at home.At home, the following complex is recommended.
- "Boat".You should start training with this exercise, because it prepares the lower back for further work.You need to lie on the floor with your arms stretched out in front of you.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".Standing 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.
- Raise your legs.Lie on your back, stretch your arms along your body, bend one leg at the knee.Slowly lift your bent leg as high as possible.Do 15 times for each leg.
- "Pendulum".Lie on your stomach, place your hands behind your back and hold your ankles.Bend your lower back as much as possible, sway 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 done 15 times.It is recommended to do exercise therapy every day.When exercise starts to seem too easy, you can consult your doctor about going to the gym.Strengthening the back muscles will reduce the risk of recurring pain.
For severe diseases, special classes with rehabilitation specialists are recommended - kinesiotherapy.
Non-traditional treatment methods
After understanding what the official medicine has to offer, you can turn your attention to alternative treatment methods.These include:
- acupuncture - impact of needles on special points of the body;
- apitherapy - treatment with bee stings;
- hirudotherapy - treatment with leeches.
At home, the needle applicator will come to the rescue.It is a mat with spikes where you have to lie on your lower back.The effect of the needle stimulates local blood circulation and improves metabolic processes.The applicator is indicated for pain in muscles and joints, neuralgia and muscle tension.You can buy it at any medical supply store.
People's recovery
For back pain in the lumbar region, treatment can be supplemented with folk remedies.Traditionally, various compresses and rubs are used.
- Take a quarter of a glass of purple flowers, pour 100 ml of vodka, leave for two weeks in a dark place.Use the product to rub the affected area.
- Mash a white cabbage leaf with your fingers, apply honey to it and apply it to your aching back.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 the compress.Leave the product overnight.
- Apply pepper tincture on a towel and carefully rub the lower back, moving from the bottom to the top.It is recommended to do it before going to bed;after rubbing, the lower back should be heated.
- Take one tablespoon of mustard powder, add the same amount of water and 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil.Apply the mixture to the lower back, securing with gauze or an elastic bandage.After an hour, the composition must be washed off.
Compressing 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 intervertebral discs, hernias and protrusions.Surgery is prescribed when conservative therapy is ineffective.
Due to the high risk of complications, surgery is the last treatment when nothing else helps.
Belts and corsets
A belt made of dog fur will help complete home therapy.They will provide gentle heating of the lumbar region.It is recommended to wear a belt after using a warming ointment or a 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 the correct physiological position and ensure the normal distribution of body weight.
First aid for shooting
Severe back pain can force a person to sleep for days.The most effective way to treat lumbago is novocaine block.The doctor gives an injection to the affected area, which reduces the nerve's sensitivity to pain for 3-14 days.
At home you can try the following:
- taking NSAIDs;
- apply warming ointment to the affected area;
- wearing a dog hair belt;
- pay attention to sleep.
The pain will disappear 30-40 minutes after taking the medicine.Bed rest must be observed during the day.
Prevention
One thing to remember about prevention is as follows:
- get rid of excess weight;
- frequent physical activity;
- balanced diet;
- lack of pressure;
- maintain proper posture.
Women are advised to avoid high-heeled shoes in daily life, and men are advised to avoid heavy lifting.