Back pain is the first symptom of various diseases of the musculoskeletal system.Sudden bursts of pain in the lumbar region can surprise anyone.Next, we will understand 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 sitting work.Causes of pain:
- osteochondrosis;
- injuries;
- prolapse of the intervertebral discs;
- nerve compression;
- excessive physical activity (heavy 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 excruciating pain in the lower back after an injury or heavy lifting is a reason to immediately consult a specialist.This symptom may indicate 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 cope with non-pathological pain yourself.
Therapy methods
Treatment of 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;
- wearing a corset.
Each method has a number of characteristics that depend on the correct diagnosis.It is difficult to independently design 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.The following are used in therapy:
- pain relievers;
- heating ointment;
- chondroprotectors;
- vitamins.
To relieve the pain quickly, you can take pain relievers.Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs 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.
Warming ointments help eliminate swelling as they stimulate local blood circulation.Some drugs of this group contain an anesthetic, which effectively eliminates pain.
Ointments or gels are applied to the affected area with gentle movements, then gently rubbed.
Chondroprotectors are drugs that restore the elasticity of cartilage tissue.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 circulation in this area.Physiotherapy is recommended to restore metabolic processes.
For back pain, the following are most often prescribed:
- magnetic therapy;
- electrophoresis;
- UHF;
- clay 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
Physical therapy 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 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.
- "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 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.
- "The 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, bending at the same time in the lumbar region.
- Lifting the legs.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 grab your ankles.Bend the lower back as much as possible, swinging the body.
- Lie on your back, bend your knees.Wrap your arms around your legs, pull 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 every day.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.
For serious diseases, special classes with a rehabilitation specialist - kinesiotherapy are recommended.
Non-traditional methods of treatment
Once you understand what official medicine has to offer, you can turn your attention to alternative treatment methods.These include:
- acupuncture - the impact of needles on specific points of the body;
- apitherapy - treatment with bee stings;
- hirudotherapy - treatment with leeches.
At home, a needle applicator will come to the rescue.It is a mattress with spikes that you have to lie on with your lower back.The influence 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 lumbar region, treatment can be supplemented with folk remedies.Traditionally, various compresses and rubs are 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 to it 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 the pepper solution to a towel and thoroughly rub the lower back, moving from the bottom up.It is recommended to do it before bedtime;after rubbing, the lower back should be warmed up.
- Take one 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 an elastic bandage.After an hour, the composition should be washed off.
Compresses should be made once a day, rubbing - in the morning and in the evening.Duration of treatment is at least 10 days.The combination of folk remedies with massage and physical therapy is recommended.
Surgery
Surgical intervention is indicated only in cases of 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 help complement home therapy.They will provide gentle heating of the midsection.It is recommended to apply the belt after applying a warming ointment or warm compress.
A surgical brace will only help if your back pain is caused by poor posture.This product will adjust the lower back in a physiologically correct position and ensure normal distribution of body weight.
First aid for shooting
Acute back pain can force a person to sleep for several days.The most effective way to treat lumbago is novocaine blockade.The doctor makes 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 the warming ointment to the affected area;
- wear a hair of the dog belt;
- observe bed rest.
The pain will go away 30-40 minutes after taking the medicine.Bed rest should be observed during the day.
Preventing
One thing to remember about prevention is the following:
- removing excess weight;
- regular physical activity;
- balanced diet;
- lack of stress;
- keeping the right attitude.
Women are advised to avoid wearing high heels in everyday life and men are advised to avoid lifting weights.