Low back pain is the first symptom of various diseases of the musculoskeletal system.Sudden attacks 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 in people with a sedentary lifestyle.After all, it bears the weight of the body during sedentary work.Causes of pain:
- osteochondrosis;
- injuries;
- protrusion of the intervertebral discs;
- nerve compression;
- excessive physical activity (heavy lifting);
- sedentary work;
- overweight.
To begin with, pathological causes should be excluded: various diseases of the vertebrae.To do this, you need to consult a doctor and undergo an examination.
Severe throbbing 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.
For diagnosis, x-rays and examination are often sufficient;in more severe cases, your doctor may prescribe an MRI.You can deal with non-pathological pain on your own.
Methods of therapy
Treatment of low back pain requires a comprehensive approach.Pain itself is not a disease, but only its consequence, so therapy aims to eliminate the cause of discomfort.
A combination of the following methods is used for treatment:
- drug therapy;
- physiotherapy;
- Physical therapy and massage;
- wears a fixed corset.
Each method has a number of characteristics 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.
Pharmacological treatment
Before starting treatment, you need to understand both the causes and nature of lower back pain.In therapy the following are used:
- painkillers;
- warming ointments;
- chondroprotectors;
- vitamins.
To quickly relieve pain, you can take painkillers.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 again.
Warming ointments help eliminate swelling as they stimulate local blood circulation.Some drugs from this group contain an anesthetic that effectively eliminates pain.
Ointments or gels are applied to the affected area with gentle movements, then massaged gently.
Chondroprotectors are drugs that restore the elasticity of cartilage tissue.Prescribed for osteochondrosis or for its prevention.Vitamin supplements can also be used to speed recovery.
Physiotherapy and massages
In most cases, back pain is associated with an injury or poor circulation in this area.Physiotherapy is recommended to restore metabolic processes.
For lower back pain, most often are prescribed:
- magnetotherapy;
- electrophoresis;
- UHF;
- mud applications;
- heating with paraffin.
For muscle tension and degenerative-dystrophic processes of the vertebrae, electrophoresis with nicotinic acid or another vasodilator worked well.
Manual therapy is another effective method to eliminate pain and prevent its recurrence.Massage is performed only by a specialist, the minimum course is 10 procedures.
Therapeutic exercises
Physical therapy and physical therapy are the best method to eliminate pain and prevent its recurrence.Exercises can be performed only after determining 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, physical therapy is performed 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".It is necessary to start training with this exercise, as it prepares the lower back for further work.You need to lie on the floor with your arms stretched 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, arch your back, as you inhale, relax, simultaneously bending your lumbar region.
- Leg raises.Lie on your back, stretch your arms along your body, bend one leg at the knee.Slowly lift 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 your lower back as much as possible, rocking your body.
- Lie on your back, bend your knees.Wrap your arms around your legs, bring them close to your chest and hold this position for 5 seconds.
Each exercise should be performed 15 times.It is recommended to perform physical therapy every day.When exercises start to feel too easy, you can consult your doctor before going to the gym.Strengthening your back muscles will reduce the risk of pain returning.
For serious illnesses, special lessons with a rehabilitation specialist are recommended: kinesitherapy.
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 - the impact of needles on special 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 mat with spikes on which you need to lie down with your lower back.The impact of the needles stimulates local blood circulation and improves metabolic processes.The applicator is indicated in case of 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 on it and apply it to your sore back.Wrap a warm scarf on top and leave it 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 to act overnight.
- Apply pepper tincture on a towel and carefully rub the lower back, moving from bottom to top.It is recommended to do this before going to bed;after rubbing, the lower back should be warmed up.
- 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 it with gauze or an elastic bandage.After an hour, the composition must be washed off.
Compresses should be done once a day, massaging in the morning and evening.The duration of treatment is at least 10 days.It is recommended to combine folk remedies with massage and physical therapy.
Surgery
Surgical intervention is indicated only in cases of advanced osteochondrosis, degenerative-dystrophic changes of the intervertebral discs, hernia and protrusion.Surgery is prescribed when conservative therapy is ineffective.
Because of the high risk of complications, surgery is the treatment of last resort when nothing else helps.
Belts and corsets
Belts made from dog hair will help complement home therapy.They will provide gentle warming of the lumbar region.It is recommended to put on the belt after applying a warming ointment or a warm 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 shooting
Acute low back pain can leave a person in bed for several days.The most effective way to treat low back pain is a novocaine blockade.The doctor gives an injection to 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 drug.Bed rest should be observed during the day.
Prevention
One thing to remember about prevention is the following:
- get rid of excess weight;
- regular physical activity;
- balanced diet;
- lack of stress;
- maintaining correct posture.
Women are advised to avoid dress shoes with high heels in everyday life and men to avoid heavy lifting.