Low back pain is the first symptom of several diseases of the musculoskeletal system.Sudden bursts of pain in the lower back can take anyone by surprise.Next, 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 supports the weight of the body during sedentary work.Causes of pain:
- osteochondrosis;
- injuries;
- protrusion of intervertebral discs;
- nerve compression;
- excessive physical activity (weight lifting);
- sedentary work;
- overweight.
To begin with, pathological causes must be excluded - various diseases of the vertebrae.To do this, you need to see a doctor and undergo an examination.
Severe, unbearable pain in the lower back after an injury or heavy lifting is a reason to immediately consult a specialist.This symptom may indicate intervertebral disc protrusion or hernia.
For diagnosis, x-rays and examinations are generally sufficient;In severe cases, the doctor may prescribe an MRI.You can deal with non-pathological pain on your own.
Therapy methods
Treating low back pain requires a comprehensive approach.Pain itself is not a disease, but just a consequence, which is why therapy aims to eliminate the cause of discomfort.
A combination of the following methods is used for treatment:
- drug therapy;
- physiotherapy;
- Exercise therapy and massage;
- using a fixing corset.
Each method has several features that depend on the exact diagnosis.It is difficult to independently draw up 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 the causes and nature of low back pain.The following are used in therapy:
- analgesics;
- warming ointments;
- chondroprotectors;
- vitamins.
To quickly relieve pain, you can take pain relievers.Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs help in treating 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 resolved, the pain will return again.
Warming ointments help eliminate swelling by stimulating local blood circulation.Some medicines 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 medications that restore elasticity to cartilaginous 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 with injuries or 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 applications;
- heating with paraffin.
For muscle tension and degenerative dystrophic processes in the vertebrae, electrophoresis with nicotinic acid or another vasodilator has worked well.
Manual therapy is another effective method to get rid of 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 method to get rid of pain and prevent its recurrence.Exercises can only be done after the cause of the discomfort has been determined.
Physical activity is prohibited during exacerbation of osteochondrosis, disc protrusion and intervertebral disc herniation in the acute phase.In such cases, they switch to exercise therapy only after a course of drug therapy.
You can perform the exercises both in the clinic's rehabilitation room and 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 future work.You need to 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 directly under your chest.As you exhale, round your back, as you inhale, relax, simultaneously bending in the lower back.
- Leg raise.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 lower back as much as possible, rocking your body.
- Lie on your back and bend your knees.Wrap your arms around your legs, pull them to your chest and hold in this position for 5 seconds.
Each exercise must be performed 15 times.It is recommended to do exercise therapy daily.When exercise starts to feel too easy, you can consult your doctor about going to the gym.Strengthening your back muscles will reduce the risk of pain recurring.
For serious illnesses, special classes with a rehabilitation specialist are recommended - kinesiotherapy.
Non-traditional treatment methods
Having understood what official medicine has to offer, you can turn your attention to alternative methods of treatment.These include:
- acupuncture - impact of needles on special points on the body;
- apitherapy - treatment with bee stings;
- hirudotherapy - treatment with leeches.
At home, a needle applicator will come to the rescue.It is a spiked mat on which you need to lay 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.
Folk remedies
For back pain in the lower back, treatment can be supplemented with folk remedies.Traditionally, various compresses and rubs are 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, apply honey and apply to your sore 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 a compress.Leave the product on all night.
- Apply pepper tincture to a towel and rub your lower back well, moving from bottom to top.It is recommended to do this before going to sleep;after rubbing, the lower back should be warmed up.
- Take a tablespoon 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 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 treatment is at least 10 days.It is recommended to combine folk remedies with massage and physiotherapy.
Surgery
Surgical intervention is indicated only in cases of advanced osteochondrosis, degenerative-dystrophic changes in intervertebral discs, hernia and protrusion.Surgery is prescribed when conservative therapy is ineffective.
Due to the high risk of complications, surgery is the treatment of last resort when nothing else helps.
Belts and corsets
Belts made from dog hair help complement home therapy.They will provide gentle warming of the lower back.It is recommended to use the belt after applying a warming ointment or hot compress.
A surgical corset will only help if your back pain is caused by poor posture.This product will fix the lower back in a physiologically correct position and ensure normal distribution of body weight.
First aid for photography
Acute low back pain can force a person to sleep for several days.The most effective way to treat low back pain is novocaine blockade.The doctor administers an injection into the affected area, which reduces the nerves' sensitivity to pain for 3 to 14 days.
At home you can try the following:
- take an NSAID medication;
- apply 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 must 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 correct posture.
Women are advised to avoid high-heeled dress shoes in everyday life and men are advised to avoid lifting weights.