Lumbar pain is considered a common phenomenon, and its causes can vary. Typically, this symptom occurs in hypothermia, internal organ disease, and spinal degenerative changes. In women, low back pain can be caused by various physical features of the body and pregnancy. This unpleasant phenomenon can be eliminated with the help of medicines and folk remedies. To understand the causes of lower back pain and how to treat it at home, you can consult a specialist after a thorough examination.
why lower back hurts
Primary discomfort and pain in the lower back is often caused by degenerative dystrophic changes affecting the discs and joints. Over time, the pathological process spreads to the vertebrae and adjacent tissues. The result is the development of back pain and pathologies such as osteochondrosis, spondyloarthropathy and spondylosis.
Such diseases progress rather slowly and eventually become chronic. With the development of any complications, the patient is concerned about acute pain, a condition that requires mandatory treatment.
Secondary pain in the lumbar region can be triggered by disorders of the musculoskeletal system and pathologies of other organs.
Experts have identified a number of predisposing factors under which lower spine pain may develop:
- Congenital and acquired lesions of the musculoskeletal system;
- Systemic diseases and rheumatism;
- Metabolic processes in vivo and pathological problems of the endocrine system;
- Malignant tumors on the spine and adjacent tissues;
- Inflammation of the lumbar muscles;
- Spinal injuries and injuries;
- gynecological diseases of women;
- Urinary system pathology.
Lower spine pain in men can be caused by prostatitis and increased physical exertion on the body.
How to Treat Your Lower Back at Home
Many people with spinal disorders experience low back pain on a regular basis. Most of the time, they show up completely unexpectedly, so it is important to be able to provide medical assistance in a timely manner.
In case of lower back pain, you must lie on a hard, flat surface, moving slowly and carefully. If you lie on your side, you can reduce the load on the spine and eliminate discomfort.
When the pain subsides, it is recommended to turn around and allow the muscles to relax. It is best to place the lower body on a high platform at a 90-degree angle and stay in this state for about 15 minutes. This position helps the back muscles relax and align the spine.
After the lower back pain syndrome is eliminated, it is essential to stand correctly to prevent it from recurring. To do this, turn around, get on all fours and use any support. Only after that does it allow you to stand up and only bend your back at the end.
After giving first aid to the patient, it is important to wrap and immobilize the lower back tightly with a handkerchief. In addition, when treating at home, you can take analgesic drugs and see a doctor, who will prescribe the necessary treatment.
medical treatement
To get rid of back pain, various medications are available, but only a doctor can choose them. The following medicines can be used for treatment:
- painkiller. These drugs are good for relieving acute low back pain attacks, but overuse can cause side effects. To eliminate the pathology, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can be prescribed;
- Narcotic Drugs. allow short-term use of this group of drugs under the supervision of an expert;
- Antidepressants. These medications, which come in small variations in dosage, can help relieve some types of chronic back pain. Basically, tricyclic antidepressants are used to eliminate pathology;
- Topical pain relievers. These medications come in ointment, cream, or gel form and must be applied directly to the painful area.
- Muscle relaxant. Muscle relaxants are prescribed if the pain cannot be relieved with the help of over-the-counter pain relievers. Taking these drugs may be accompanied by the development of side effects such as drowsiness and dizziness.
If none of the above measures bring relief to the patient, a doctor may prescribe medication such as cortisol. An anti-inflammatory drug is injected into the space around the spinal cord. With its help, inflammation around the nerve roots can be minimized, but it can take several months to completely eliminate the pain syndrome.
When a nerve in the lower back is pinched and the pain spreads to the leg, it should be treated with B vitamins. Thanks to them, it is possible to strengthen and restore those areas that affect the nervous tissue.
It is important to remember that any medication should be agreed with a specialist who alone can answer the patient how to heal the lower back.
physiotherapy
Exercise therapy for back pain should incorporate the following types of exercise:
- stretch. Proper muscle stretching combined with active exercise helps maintain normal activity in muscles that suffer from spasms or atrophy. People with lower back pain should focus on stretching the muscles in the lower back, abdomen, legs, and buttocks. Yoga is considered a good preventive measure that relaxes the muscles and keeps them in good shape;
- Dynamic practice. Such exercises can be performed with special balls, the main purpose of which is to strengthen the secondary muscles of the spine and keep them in a wide range of motion.
Swimming, cycling, and brisk walking are recommended to complement physical therapy. They have a positive effect on muscle stagnation and improve the general condition of the body.
massage
At home, massage and use oils of types such as oregano, juniper, sage, and lavender. When performing such procedures, the following sequence must be followed:
- 2-3 minutes, warm up by stroking your back with your palms;
- Rub the skin with the oil on the upper phalanx of the thumb or the base of the palm, and make a slow upward circular motion;
- Knead the tense back muscles with both hands: one with pressure, the other relaxed and lightly stroked.
As an emergency aid for back pain, self-massage is appropriate, you should make a fist with your left or right hand and start drawing a spiral with it in the area of discomfort. All movements should be smooth and accurate, avoiding strong pressure. Allow this self-massage to be performed on the painful area several times a day.
physiotherapy
After the back pain syndrome can be stopped, therapeutic exercises and gymnastics can be performed. It is important to remember that it is prohibited to use it during exacerbations. For lasting positive results, you need to practice every day.
The physical therapist should select a set of exercises based on the characteristics of the patient's condition. When performed correctly, these exercises help strengthen the back muscles and eliminate pain. During exercise, it is necessary to monitor for pain, and if there is significant discomfort, it is necessary to reduce the range of motion.
folk remedies
Back pain health can be relieved with the help of alternative treatments, but it is advisable to consult a specialist before using them.
therapeutic compression
To get rid of back pain and restore your health, you can use the following compression recipes at home:
- It is necessary to mix vinegar and honey in equal parts and coat the cabbage leaves with this mixture. This dressing should be applied to the lower back from above and wrapped in a warm scarf or scarf. It is recommended to do this procedure several times a day, half an hour each time;
- You can grate radishes or horseradish and mix the resulting material with sour cream in a 1: 1 ratio. This remedy must be applied to the back and covered with a warm scarf. The duration of a procedure is 1-1. 5 hours, usually after the time has elapsed, the pain syndrome disappears completely;
- It is necessary to grind raw potatoes and horseradish in equal proportions with a grater and mix with 5-10 ml of honey. Apply the resulting mixture to the back pain, the whole process takes 1-1. 5 hours.
Great for fighting pain, use the bow on the lower back overnight and wrap in a warm cloth after grinding in a blender. You can dissolve mustard powder in water until it forms a mass of even consistency, then apply it to your back for 5 minutes. Folk healers say you will definitely feel better after removing such a compress.
wipe
Methods such as rubbing help to eliminate pain quickly and not only increase blood flow to the affected area, but also improve metabolic processes. It is best to perform this procedure at bedtime with the help of:
- warm honey;
- A mixture of iodine, valerian, triple cologne, and crushed red pepper;
- Alcoholic tincture of eucalyptus, Adam's root or burdock.
A mixture of 10 grams of tansy leaves and flowers and a cup of boiling water has a good effect on eliminating lower back pain. This mixture must be filled in a thermos for an hour, then filtered and mixed with 5 grams of soda water. With the help of medication, rub every day for a few days before going to bed.
Oral infusion
With the help of the means used internally, it is possible to cope with the pathology. At home, you can treat low back pain with the following recipes:
- It is necessary to grind the spiced root and pour a generous amount of 500 ml of vodka. The resulting mixture should sit for 1 month, after which 1 tablespoon should be taken several times a day. l;
- You can precook 10 basil leaves in water to evaporate all the liquid. After that, the pain reliever must be cooled and added with a little soda. The resulting mixture should be taken orally several times a day;
- Soak some wheat in water and let it sit overnight. In the morning you need to add the coriander and boil the mixture in 200ml of milk. It is recommended to take this medication twice a day until the pain syndrome is completely eliminated.
A proven folk remedy for back pain is Inula, prepared by mixing 100 grams of yeast with a liter of honey and 30 grams of ground root. Put the resulting mixture in a three-liter jar, add a little water, and wear perforated rubber gloves around your neck. After 30 days, place the container in the refrigerator and drink ½ cup in the morning and before bed.
Precaution
Pain treatment at home is permitted, both in the chronic course of the pathology and in the relief of acute attacks. The therapy is suitable for young and old patients.
To prevent back pain, active activity and exercises designed to strengthen the spinal muscles and lumbar region are recommended. At the same time as the treatment, it is necessary to strengthen the peritoneal muscles and regularly exercise and pump in the pool.
Women should avoid wearing high heels and platform shoes, which take the load off the spine and lower back. It is necessary to sleep on a firm orthopedic mattress, as this measure helps to completely relax the spine and avoid spinal pathologies.