Lower back pain is the first symptom of various musculoskeletal disorders.Sudden outbreaks of 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 supports the weight of the body when sitting.Causes of pain:
- osteochondrosis;
- injuries;
- bulging of the intervertebral discs;
- nerve compression;
- excessive physical activity (heavy lifting);
- sedentary activity;
- Overweight.
First of all, 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 when lifting heavy loads is a reason to immediately consult a specialist.This symptom may indicate a herniated or herniated disc.
X-rays and examinations are usually sufficient for diagnosis;In severe cases, the doctor may prescribe an MRI.You can manage non-pathological pain yourself.
Therapy methods
Treating back pain requires a comprehensive approach.Pain itself is not an illness, but only a consequence of it.Therefore, therapy is aimed at eliminating the cause of the symptoms.
A combination of the following methods is used for treatment:
- drug therapy;
- physiotherapy;
- exercise therapy and massage;
- Wearing a fixation corset.
Each method has a number of characteristics that depend on the exact diagnosis.Without knowing the exact diagnosis, it is difficult to independently draw up an effective treatment regimen, so consultation with a doctor is mandatory.
Drug treatment
Before starting treatment, you need to understand both the causes and nature of pain in the lumbar region.The following are used in therapy:
- painkillers;
- warming ointments;
- chondroprotectors;
- Vitamins.
To quickly relieve pain, you can take painkillers.Nonsteroidal 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 symptoms is not resolved, the pain will return.
Warming ointments help eliminate swelling as they stimulate 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 rubbed in 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 up recovery.
Physiotherapy and massage
In most cases, back pain is associated with either an injury or poor blood circulation in the area.Physiotherapy is recommended to restore metabolic processes.
For lower back pain, the following are most often prescribed:
- magnetic field therapy;
- electrophoresis;
- UHF;
- mud applications;
- Heating with paraffin.
Electrophoresis with nicotinic acid or another vasodilator has proven effective for muscle tension and degenerative-dystrophic processes in the vertebrae.
Manual therapy is another effective method to relieve pain and prevent its recurrence.The massage is carried out only by a specialist, the minimum duration is 10 procedures.
Therapeutic exercises
Physiotherapy and exercise therapy are the best way to relieve pain and prevent its recurrence.Exercises can only be performed after the cause of the discomfort has been identified.
Physical activity is prohibited during the exacerbation of osteochondrosis, herniated disc and herniated disc in the acute phase.In these cases, they only switch to exercise therapy after drug therapy.
You can do the exercises in the clinic's rehabilitation room or 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 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".Stand on all fours and place your hands on the floor directly under your chest.As you exhale, round your back, while inhaling relax and at the same time bend your lumbar region.
- Leg raises.Lie on your back, stretch your arms along your body and bend one leg at the knee.Slowly raise your bent leg as high as possible.Perform the exercise 15 times per leg.
- "Pendulum".Lie on your stomach, place your hands behind your back and grab your ankles.Bend your lower back as much as possible and sway 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.It is recommended to carry out exercise therapy daily.If the exercises seem too easy, you can ask your doctor if you should go to the gym.Strengthening the back muscles reduces the risk of pain recurring.
In case of serious illnesses, special courses with a rehabilitation specialist are recommended - exercise therapy.
Non-traditional treatment methods
After understanding what official medicine has to offer, you can turn to alternative methods of treatment.This includes:
- Acupuncture – the action of needles on specific points on the body;
- Apitherapy – treatment with bee stings;
- Hirudotherapy – treatment with leeches.
A needle applicator helps at home.It is a mat with spikes on which you have to lie with your lower back.The action of the needles stimulates local blood circulation and improves metabolic processes.The applicator is suitable for muscle and joint pain, neuralgia and muscle tension.You can buy it at any medical equipment store.
Folk remedies
If you have back pain in the lumbar region, treatment can be supplemented with folk remedies.Various compresses and rubs are traditionally used.
- Take a quarter glass of lilac flowers, pour 100 ml of vodka and leave in a dark place for two weeks.Rub the product into the affected area.
- Crush a leaf of white cabbage with your fingers, spread honey on it and apply to the sore back.Wrap a warm scarf over it and leave it for 4 hours.
- Grind the horseradish root, mix it with honey in equal proportions and apply to the lower back under a compress.Leave the product on all night.
- Apply pepper tincture to a towel and rub the lower back thoroughly from bottom to top.It is recommended to do this before 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 and secure it with gauze or an elastic bandage.After an hour, the composition must be washed off.
Compresses should be done by rubbing once a day - morning and evening.The duration of treatment is at least 10 days.It is recommended to combine folk remedies with massage and physiotherapy.
surgery
Surgical intervention is indicated only in advanced osteochondrosis, degenerative-dystrophic changes in the intervertebral discs, hernias and protrusions.If conservative therapy is ineffective, surgery is prescribed.
Due to the high risk of complications, surgery is the last resort if nothing else works.
Belts and corsets
Belts made from dog hair complement home therapy.They ensure gentle warming of the lumbar region.It is recommended to wear the belt after applying a warming ointment or warm compress.
A surgical corset only helps if your back pain is due to poor posture.This product fixes the lower back in a physiologically correct position and ensures normal distribution of body weight.
First aid when shooting
Acute lower back pain can force a person to go to bed for several days.The most effective method of treating lumbago is a novocaine blockade.The doctor gives an injection into the affected area, which reduces the pain sensitivity of the nerves for 3-14 days.
At home you can try the following:
- taking an NSAID medication;
- Apply a warming ointment to the affected area.
- Wear a dog hair belt.
- Observe bed rest.
The pain disappears 30-40 minutes after taking the medicine.Bed rest should be observed during the day.
Prevention
One thing to keep in mind when it comes to prevention is this:
- get rid of excess weight;
- regular physical activity;
- balanced diet;
- lack of stress;
- Maintaining correct posture.
Women are recommended not to wear high-heeled dress shoes in everyday life, and men are recommended to avoid heavy lifting.