Pain in the lower back is the first symptom of various diseases of the musculoskeletal system.Sudden attacks of pain in the lumbar region can surprise anyone.Then 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 who lead a sedentary lifestyle.After all, it bears the weight of the body during sedentary work.Causes of pain:
- osteochondrosis;
- injuries;
- protrusion of intervertebral discs;
- nerve compression;
- excessive physical activity (lifting heavy loads);
- sedentary work;
- overweight.
To begin with, pathological causes - various diseases of the vertebrae - should be ruled out.To do this, you must visit a doctor and undergo an examination.
Severe pain in the lower back after an injury or heavy lifting is a reason to immediately consult a specialist.This symptom may indicate 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 deal with non-pathological pain on your own.
Methods of therapy
Treatment of lower back pain requires a comprehensive approach.Pain in itself is not a disease, but only its consequence, so therapy is aimed at eliminating the cause of discomfort.
A combination of the following methods is used for treatment:
- drug therapy;
- physiotherapy;
- Exercise therapy and massage;
- wears a fixation corset.
Each method has a number of characteristics that depend on the correct diagnosis.It is difficult to create an effective treatment regimen on your own 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.The following are used in therapy:
- pain relievers;
- heating grease;
- chondroprotectors;
- vitamins.
To relieve the pain quickly, you can take painkillers.NSAIDs help with back pain.The therapeutic dose of the selected drug is sufficient to relieve pain of moderate intensity in about 3-4 hours.If the cause of the discomfort is not addressed, the pain will return.
Warming ointments help to reduce swelling because they stimulate local blood circulation.Some drugs from this group contain an anesthetic that effectively relieves 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.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 associated with either an injury or poor circulation in this area.Physiotherapy is recommended to restore metabolic processes.
The following are most often prescribed for lower back pain:
- magnetic therapy;
- electrophoresis;
- UHF;
- mud applications;
- heating 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 method for relieving pain and preventing its recurrence.Massage is performed only by a specialist, the minimum course is 10 procedures.
Therapeutic exercises
Physical therapy and exercise therapy are the best methods of managing pain and preventing its recurrence.Exercises can only be done after the cause of the problem has been determined.
Physical activity is prohibited during exacerbation of osteochondrosis, disc protrusion and intervertebral disc herniation 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 room at the clinic and at home.At home, the following complex is recommended.
- "Ship".You must start training with this exercise, because it prepares the lower back for further work.You must lie on the floor with your arms extended forward.While exhaling, lift your chest and pelvis off the floor, stretch your arms and legs in different directions, and while inhaling, lower your body to the floor.
- "Cat".Get on all fours, place your hands on the floor directly under your chest.While exhaling, round your back, while inhaling, relax, simultaneously bending in the lumbar region.
- Leg lift.Lie on your back, stretch your arms along your 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, rocking your body.
- Lie on your back, bend your knees.Wrap your arms around your legs, pull them to your chest and hold in that position for 5 seconds.
Each exercise should be performed 15 times.It is recommended to do exercise exercises 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 - kinesiotherapy are recommended.
Non-traditional methods of treatment
Having understood what official medicine offers, you can turn to alternative methods of treatment.This includes:
- acupuncture - the effect of needles on special points of the body;
- apitherapy - bee sting treatment;
- hirudotherapy - treatment of leeches.
At home, a needle applicator will come to the rescue.It's a spiked mat that you have to lie on your lower back on.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 supply store.
Folk remedies
For back pain in the lumbar region, treatment can be supplemented with folk remedies.Various poultices and rubs are traditionally used.
- Take a quarter of a glass 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, apply honey and apply on the painful back.Wrap a warm scarf on top and leave for 4 hours.
- Grind the horseradish root, mix in equal proportions with honey and apply to the lower back under the compress.Leave the product on overnight.
- Apply pepper tincture on a towel and rub your lower back well, moving from bottom to top.It is recommended to do this before going to bed;after rubbing, the lower back should be warmed.
- Take a spoonful of mustard powder, add the same amount of water and 2 large spoons 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.
Compresses should be done once a day, rubbing - in the morning and in the evening.The duration of therapy is at least 10 days.It is recommended to combine folk remedies with massage and physical therapy.
Operation
Surgical intervention is indicated only in cases of advanced osteochondrosis, degenerative-dystrophic changes on the intervertebral discs, hernia and protrusion.Surgery is prescribed when conservative therapy is ineffective.
Because of the high risk of complications, surgery is the last option when nothing else helps.
Belts and corsets
Belts made of dog hair will help supplement home therapy.They will provide a slight warming of the lumbar area.It is recommended to wear a belt after applying warming ointments or warm compresses.
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
Acute lower back pain can keep a person in bed for several days.The most effective way to treat lumbago is blockade with novocaine.The doctor gives an injection in the affected 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 warming ointment to the affected area;
- wear a dog hair belt;
- adhere to bed rest.
The pain will disappear 30-40 minutes after taking the medicine.During the day, it is necessary to adhere to bed rest.
Prevention
One thing to remember about prevention is this:
- getting rid of excess weight;
- regular physical activity;
- balanced diet;
- lack of stress;
- maintaining proper posture.
Women are advised to avoid high-heeled shoes in daily life, and men are advised to avoid heavy lifting.