Not many people know what to do if the lower back hurts a lot, how to treat the problem area at home. Most people refuse to see a doctor because of expensive medical services, others prefer the traditional and proven methods.
Self-medication is possible, provided the diagnosis is reliably known. Temporary relief of the acute symptoms will not solve the problem, and the long-term development of the disease will cause a transition to a chronic form. It is advisable to consult a specialist on this subject who can give practical recommendations.
<1_img_centerxx>Causes of back pain
Chronic illness and an accidental event can cause lower back pain. In women, a similar problem is a complication of gynecological diseases (fibroids, adnexitis, malignant tumor). In men, lower back pain occurs mainly against the background of difficult working conditions and lifting heavy objects.
The most common causes of this problem are:
- obesity stages 2 and 3;
- excessive sitting position;
- excessive loads during sports activities;
- lifting and carrying weights;
- chondrosis, osteochondrosis, kyphosis;
- unstable psycho-emotional state;
- influence of drafts, hypothermia.
Identifying the cause of the pain is very important, because it is forbidden to start a therapeutic course without a precise diagnosis. Temporary relief of symptoms will not bring the desired results because the root cause will not be treated.
Even if symptomatic treatment helps, back pain will keep coming back.
When to see a specialist
Self-treatment at home is possible if the nature of the discomfort remains unchanged, the local area of lesions does not expand, and there are no additional manifestations.
In some situations, self-medication cannot be carried out, but the intervention of a specialist is necessary. Some examples :
- intense increase in pain;
- the local area of the lesions began to expand or move;
- there is no tenderness in the lower limbs.
With poor toe mobility, there is a risk of spinal injury. Immediate intervention by a specialist is required.
Home treatment methods
A wide variety of pharmaceuticals can be used to treat low back pain. The patient is offered pain relievers, various gels and ointments, as well as suppositories. But, it is impossible to buy drugs on your own, an error in the choice can lead to an increase in symptomatic manifestations.
A preliminary consultation with a traumatologist or a therapist will be necessary. Medicines are only prescribed on presentation of a specialist with a restricted profile. Some strong drugs are obtained from pharmacies exclusively on prescription, you cannot buy them yourself.
The duration of treatment is from 1 to 6 months, depending on the area of the lesion, the intensity of painful manifestations, the frequency of occurrence of uncomfortable symptoms. The therapeutic course must be completed, otherwise the pain will return after a short period of time.
Ointments and gels
For back pain, whatever the cause, ointments or gels are always prescribed. These agents act locally, remove discomfort and facilitate movement.
The advantage of this method is the minimum number of side effects and contraindications, as well as the ease of use.
When applying ointments, a number of rules should be observed:
- mandatory compliance with the instructions for use;
- a little medicine is needed to squeeze on the hand and start rubbing on the lower back, it is necessary to apply the ointment once a day, preferably before bedtime;
- if side effects occur, it is necessary to stop using this drug.
There are different groups of ointments for lower back pain:
- Chondroprotectors. They help strengthen joint cartilage, suppress inflammatory reactions.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory ointments. They are used for all inflammatory reactions, restore the activity of the musculoskeletal system. Read the contraindications before use.
- Pain relief. They are mainly used for acute forms of pain, help to facilitate the transfer of severe symptoms.
There is also a combined group of ointments that combine all of the above properties.
Oral and injectable drugs
Oral or injectable drugs work similarly to ointments, but have increased side effects and a long list of contraindications. Before starting a therapeutic course, you should carefully read the instructions for use.
The following groups are selected for the patient, depending on the nature and duration of the pain:
- Anti-inflammatory drugs. They perfectly relieve pain, help suppress the inflammatory process in the lower back. The application is only possible after the authorization of a specialist.
- Muscle relaxants. This group of drugs helps relieve muscle tension, relieve spasms and suppress painful manifestations. It should be noted that when muscle relaxants are used, there is drowsiness or increases in blood pressure.
- Corticosteroids. Hormonal drugs suppress inflammatory reactions and have an analgesic effect.
- Narcotic analgesics. Prescribed exclusively by the attending physician in cases of uncontrolled pain syndrome or surgery.
- Vitamin B. Promotes the normalization of blood circulation, oxygen saturation, restores metabolic processes.
To note:most drugs have a strong therapeutic effect, before using them it is necessary to read the instructions for use.
Rectal suppositories
These drugs are confidently promoted in the pharmaceutical industry and are actively used for severe back pain for the following reasons:
- quickly dissolve, the result of application is felt in 10-15 minutes;
- there is no harmful effect on the gastrointestinal tract;
- minimal side effects.
Room
If due to damage to the musculoskeletal system the lower back hurts, how to treat it at home with a plaster? Very simple.
The treatment plates block pain, relieve inflammation, warm the affected area, which helps to alleviate the patient's condition. Each patch has a unique effect, you have to choose the right remedy to get the result.
Physical exercise
Therapeutic exercises are extremely effective for lower back injuries. It allows you to:
- develop back muscles;
- restore the distance between the vertebrae and free the pinched nerves;
- improve blood circulation;
- remove the pain.
To note:Remedial gymnastics cannot be practiced for all groups of patients; there is a strict list of contraindications. A suitable set of exercises can be selected only by a attending specialist.
Examples of popular and useful exercises:
- "Cat". The patient should get on all fours and bend the spine, then bend in the opposite direction. Repeat the exercise 3-4 times, the duration of the position is 5-7 seconds.
- Torsion. The person should take a horizontal position on a hard, level surface. Bend your knees, start turning your legs to the right, your body to the left. Do 5 to 6 reps, then switch sides.
You need to do gymnastics yourself every day, observing medical prescriptions. If negative symptoms appear (headache, nausea, disorientation in space), it is necessary to urgently stop the exercise.
Massage
Therapeutic massage is most effective for spinal injuries. It is better to carry out the procedure under the supervision of a specialist, independent conduct can lead to a number of consequences due to incorrect movements.
Massages are prohibited for the following groups of patients:
- people with malignant tumors;
- patients with active tuberculosis;
- women in any trimester of pregnancy;
- people with hypertension or arrhythmia;
- patients with skin lesions.
When performing a massage on your own, without the services of an experienced specialist, you must first obtain a list of rules from the doctor for the correct procedure.
Paraffin therapy
The intense pain syndrome is well removed with paraffin. The procedure improves blood circulation in the lymph and soft tissues of the affected area. The melted paraffin heats the entire lower back, the effect of the application lasts for several hours.
It is problematic to perform such a procedure on your own, it is recommended to use the services of an experienced specialist.
Traditional medicine
Traditional medicine methods have repeatedly confirmed their effectiveness, sometimes they have helped where pharmaceuticals have failed. But, it is not worth to abuse such methods without medical advice, otherwise you can cause irreparable damage to the musculoskeletal system.
The most common methods are:
- Compress.It is necessary to carry out the procedure only in the evening so that the patient is relaxed both physically and mentally. The gauze fabric should be impregnated with a prefabricated composition (only medicinal herbs) and applied to the sore spot. Stay in this state for at least an hour. As ingredients of the mixture, you can use radish and horseradish, salt, honey, garlic, mustard.
- Friction.It is carried out only in the evening, the human body should be in a relaxed state. For rubbing alcoholic tinctures of beaver stream, dandelion root, eucalyptus, red pepper, etc. are used. The product should be carefully rubbed on the affected area, after which the lower back is wrapped in warm fabrics or a blanket. You must spend at least an hour in this state.
- Heating bath.A great method to relax not only the affected area, but the whole body. The effect of the procedure can be improved by using medicinal herbs (mint, mustard powder). It is necessary to stay in the water until it begins to cool.
There are other methods of traditional medicine, but the above methods are the easiest to implement, do not require large cash costs and theoretical knowledge.
How to provide first aid? Low back pain how to treat at home?
Pain in the lower back does not always come on gradually. Osteochondrosis and other damage to the spine can occur suddenly, accompanied by severe pain. Light load, cold air, or heavy lifting - all of these cause a similar problem.
The sensations of sharp pain must be stopped urgently. The manifestations can be so strong that a person will lose consciousness. Before providing assistance, it is necessary to bring the patient to his senses with ammonia.
The victim should be placed horizontally on a hard, level surface. It is forbidden to put on a pillow, the spine should be in an upright position. Being supine will reduce the load on the intervertebral discs, spasms and pain will partially disappear.
If you have topical ointments and gels in your home, you can treat the affected area. It is desirable that the funds have an anti-inflammatory or analgesic effect, such drugs quickly relieve uncomfortable manifestations. After applying the ointment, you need to leave the victim alone for 30-40 minutes.
If the drugs have any effect, you will need to pull the lower back with a warm cloth in order to strictly fix it. In case of persistent acute pain, the patient may be given anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs, preferably strong. The tablets will take effect after 30 to 50 minutes, depending on the severity of the pain.
Important:you can not abuse pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs, in an emergency the maximum daily dosage is allowed, but not more.
In case of continuous pain, even after following all of the above recommendations, you should call an ambulance.
Prevention of back pain
Having found out why the lower back hurts, how to treat at home, it is necessary to learn the preventive program. Special corrective measures are useful both after a therapeutic course and for prophylactic purposes, to prevent the development of problems with the lower back.
Useful tips:
- Change your diet. Try to exclude junk food and fatty foods from the menu, minimize the consumption of such dishes. The diet should be dominated by fortified and healthy foods, which will saturate the body with the necessary microelements.
- Control body weight. Stages 2 and 3 of obesity place a colossal load not only on internal organs, but also on the spine. Under the influence of excess body weight, displacement and deformation of the intervertebral discs occurs, damage to the cartilage.
- More activity. With a sedentary lifestyle (for example, due to work in the office), you need to do warm-ups and walks on a daily basis.
- Reduce stress on the spine. Lifting and carrying weights without a valid reason is not recommended. Even a slight load can deform the spine.
Getting rid of bad habits will also have a beneficial effect on the condition of the lower back. Alcohol disrupts blood circulation, and the half-life products of ethanol negatively affect the condition of cartilage and joints.