Pain in the lower back is the first symptom of various diseases of the musculoskeletal system.Sudden bursts of pain in the lumbar region can surprise anyone.Then we will find 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 takes the weight of the body during sedentary work.Causes of pain:
- osteochondrosis;
- injuries;
- bulging of the intervertebral discs;
- nerve compression;
- excessive physical activity (lifting weights);
- sedentary work;
- overweight.
To begin with, pathological causes must be excluded - various diseases of the vertebrae.To do this, you need to visit a doctor and undergo an examination.
Severe excruciating pain in the lower back after an injury or lifting weights is a reason to immediately consult a specialist.This symptom may mean a protrusion or herniation of the intervertebral discs.
X-rays and examination are usually sufficient for diagnosis;in severe cases, the doctor may prescribe an MRI.You can manage non-pathological pain yourself.
Methods of therapy
Treatment of low back pain requires a complex approach.Pain itself is not a disease, but only its consequence, so therapy is aimed at eliminating the cause of the discomfort.
A combination of the following methods is used for treatment:
- drug therapy;
- physical therapy;
- Exercise therapy and massage;
- the wearing of a fixing corset.
Each method has a number of characteristics that depend on the exact diagnosis.It is difficult to independently prepare 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 the nature of low back pain.In the therapy are used:
- pain relievers;
- warming ointments;
- chondroprotectors;
- vitamins.
You can take painkillers for quick pain relief.NSAIDs 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 addressed, the pain will return again.
Warming ointments help to eliminate swelling, as they stimulate local blood circulation.Some drugs in this group contain an anesthetic that effectively removes pain.
Ointments or gels are applied to the affected area with light movements, then gently rubbed.
Chondroprotectors are drugs that restore the elasticity of cartilage tissue.It is 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 related to either an injury or poor blood circulation in that area.Physiotherapy is recommended to restore metabolic processes.
For pain in the lower back, the following are most often prescribed:
- magnetic therapy;
- electrophoresis;
- UHF;
- mud applications;
- paraffin heating.
With muscle tension and degenerative-dystrophic processes in the vertebrae, electrophoresis with nicotinic acid or another vasodilator effect has helped.
Manual therapy is another effective method to relieve 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 method to relieve pain and prevent its recurrence.Exercises can be done only after establishing the cause of the discomfort.
Physical activity is prohibited during exacerbation of osteochondrosis, disc protrusion and herniation of 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 office of the clinic and at home.At home, the following complex is recommended.
- "Boat".You should start training with this exercise, as it prepares the 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, 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 just below your chest.As you exhale, round your back, as you inhale, relax, simultaneously bending in the lumbar region.
- Leg lift.Lie on your back, stretch your arms along the body, bend one leg at the knee.Slowly raise the bent leg as high as possible.Perform 15 times for each leg.
- "Pendulum".Lie on your stomach, put your hands behind your back and grab your ankles.Arch your lower back as much as possible by 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 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 the pain recurring.
In case of severe diseases, special activities with a rehabilitator - kinesitherapy are recommended.
Non-traditional methods of treatment
Once you understand what official medicine has to offer, you can turn your attention to alternative methods of treatment.These include:
- acupuncture - the effect 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.This is a mat with spikes on which you have to lie on 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.
People's funds
For back pain in the lumbar region, treatment can be supplemented with folk remedies.Various compresses and rubs are traditionally used.
- Take a quarter cup of lilac flowers, pour 100 ml of vodka, leave for two weeks in a dark place.Use the product to rub the affected area.
- Crush a white cabbage leaf with your fingers, smear it with honey and apply it to your sore 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 a compress.Leave the product overnight.
- Apply pepper tincture on a cloth and thoroughly rub the lower back, moving from the bottom up.It is recommended to do it before going to bed;after rubbing, the cross should be warmed.
- Take one 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 should 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 physiotherapy.
surgery
Surgical intervention is indicated only in advanced osteochondrosis, degenerative-dystrophic changes in the intervertebral discs, hernia and protrusion.Surgery is prescribed when 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 will complement home therapy.They will provide gentle warming of the lumbar region.It is recommended to wear the belt after applying a heating ointment or a warm compress.
A surgical corset will only help if the back pain is caused by poor posture.This product will fix the lower back in a physiologically correct position and ensure a normal distribution of body weight.
First aid for shooting
Sharp pain in the lower back can force a person to lie down for several days.The most effective way to treat lumbago is novocaine blockade.The doctor places an injection in 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 a warming ointment to the affected area;
- wear a dog hair belt;
- observe bed rest.
The pain will disappear 30-40 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 proper posture.
Women are advised to avoid high heels in everyday life and men are advised to avoid heavy lifting.