Lower back pain is the first symptom of various diseases of the musculoskeletal system.Sudden bursts of pain in the lower back can surprise anyone.Next, we will understand what and how to treat.
Causes and diagnosis
The lower back is the most sensitive part of the back in people who lead a sedentary lifestyle.After all, it carries the weight of the body during sedentary work.Causes of pain:
- osteochondrosis;
- injuries;
- protrusion of intervertebral discs;
- nerve compression;
- excessive physical activity (heavy lifting);
- sedentary work;
- overweight.
To begin with, it is necessary to exclude pathological causes - various diseases of the vertebrae.For this, you need to see a doctor and undergo an examination.
Severe unbearable pain in the lower back after an injury or lifting a heavy load is a reason to immediately consult a specialist.This symptom may indicate a protrusion or rupture of the intervertebral discs.
X-ray and examination are most sufficient for diagnosis;in severe cases, the doctor may prescribe an MRI.You can cope with non-pathological pain yourself.
Treatment methods
Treatment of back pain requires a comprehensive approach.Pain itself is not a disease, but only its result, so therapy is aimed at eliminating the cause of discomfort.
A combination of the following methods is used for treatment:
- drug treatment;
- physiotherapy;
- exercise therapy and massage;
- wear a fixation corset.
Each method has a number of features that depend on the exact diagnosis.Without knowing the exact diagnosis, it is difficult to independently formulate 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 back pain.The following are used in therapy:
- pain relievers;
- warming ointments;
- chondroprotectors;
- vitamins.
You can take pain relievers to relieve the pain quickly.Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs help with back pain.The therapeutic dose of the selected drug is enough to relieve pain of moderate intensity for about 3-4 hours.If the cause of the discomfort is not removed, the pain will return.
Warming ointments help to relieve swelling as they stimulate local blood circulation.Some drugs in this group contain an anesthetic that effectively relieves pain.
Ointments or gels are applied to the affected area with gentle movements, then rubbed gently.
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 injury or poor blood circulation in the area.Physiotherapy is recommended to restore metabolic processes.
The following are most often prescribed for lower back pain:
- magnetic therapy;
- electrophoresis;
- UHF;
- mud applications;
- heated with paraffin.
For muscle tension and degenerative-dystrophic processes in the vertebrae, electrophoresis with nicotinic acid or another vasodilator worked well.
Manual therapy is another effective way to relieve pain and prevent its recurrence.Massage is performed only by a specialist, the minimum course is 10 procedures.
Therapeutic exercises
Physiotherapy and exercise therapy are the best ways to relieve pain and prevent its recurrence.Exercises can be done only after determining the cause of anxiety.
In the acute phase, physical activity is prohibited during exacerbation of osteochondrosis, disc protrusion and herniated intervertebral discs.In these cases, they switch to exercise therapy only after a course of drug treatment.
You can do the exercises both in the clinic and in the rehabilitation room at home.The following complex is recommended at home.
- "Ship".You should start training with this exercise, because it prepares the lower back for the next work.You need to lie on the floor with your arms stretched forward.While inhaling, lift your chest and pelvis off the floor, extend your arms and legs in different directions, and while exhaling, lower your body to the floor.
- "Cat".Get on all fours, placing your hands on the floor directly under your chest.As you inhale, round your back, relax while exhaling, and at the same time bend at the waist.
- 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.Perform 15 times for each leg.
- "Pendulum".Lie on your stomach, place your hands behind your back and hold your ankles.Bend your back as much as possible, swinging 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 do exercise therapy every day.When the exercises start to seem too easy, you can consult your doctor about going to the gym.Strengthening the back muscles will reduce the risk of recurrence of pain.
For severe diseases, special classes with a rehabilitation specialist are recommended - kinesiotherapy.
Non-traditional treatment methods
By understanding what official medicine has to offer, you can turn your attention to alternative treatments.These include:
- acupuncture - effect of needles on specific points of the body;
- apitherapy - treatment with bee stings;
- hirudotherapy - treatment with leeches.
At home, a needle applicator will help.This is a mat with spikes on which you need to lie on your back.The effect of needles 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 equipment store.
Folk treatment
Treatment for back pain in the lumbar region can be completed with folk remedies.Traditionally, various compresses and friction are used.
- Take a quarter cup of lilac flowers, pour 100 ml of vodka, leave in a dark place for two weeks.Use the product to rub the affected area.
- Crush a white cabbage leaf with your fingers, apply honey on it and apply it on your aching back.Wrap a warm scarf over it and leave it for 4 hours.
- Chop the horseradish root, mix it with honey in equal proportions and apply it 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, moving from the bottom to the top.It is recommended to do this before going to bed;After rubbing, the lower back should be warmed.
- Take one spoon of mustard powder, add the same amount of water and 2 large spoons of vegetable oil.Apply the mixture to the lower back, tie it 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 treatment with massage and physical therapy.
Surgery
Surgical intervention is indicated only in cases of advanced osteochondrosis, degenerative-dystrophic changes in the intervertebral discs, rupture and protrusion.If conservative therapy is ineffective, surgery is prescribed.
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 help complete the home therapy.They will provide gentle warming of the lumbar region.It is recommended to wear a belt after applying a warming ointment or hot compress.
A surgical corset will only help if your back pain is caused by bad posture.This product will fix the lower back in a physiologically correct position and ensure a normal distribution of body weight.
First aid during shooting
Acute back pain can force a person to bed for several days.The most effective way to treat lumbago is novocaine blockade.The doctor injects a needle into the damaged area, which reduces the sensitivity of the nerves to pain for 3-14 days.
You can try the following at home:
- take an NSAID drug;
- apply a warming ointment to the affected area;
- wearing a dog harness;
- observe bed rest.
After 30-40 minutes after taking the medicine, the pain will disappear.Bed rest should be observed during the day.
Prevention
Something to keep in mind about prevention is:
- get rid of excess weight;
- regular physical activity;
- balanced diet;
- lack of stress;
- maintaining proper posture.
Women are advised to stay away from high-heeled dress shoes in daily life, and men are advised to stay away from heavy loads.