Few people know what to do if the lower back hurts badly how to treat problem areas at home. A large number of people refuse to visit a doctor because of expensive medical services, others prefer traditional and proven methods.
Self -medication can be done, provided the diagnosis can be known with certainty. Temporary relief from acute symptoms will not solve the problem, and long -term disease progression will provoke a transition to a chronic form. It is best to consult this topic with an expert who can provide practical recommendations.
Causes of back pain
Both chronic illness and accidental occurrence can cause pain in the lower back. In women, similar problems are complications of gynecological diseases (fibroids, adnexitis, malignant neoplasms). In men, lower back pain occurs mainly against the background of difficult working conditions and lifting heavy objects.
The most common causes of problems are:
- obesity levels 2 and 3;
- excessive sitting position;
- excessive load during sports activities;
- lifting and carrying weights;
- chondrosis, osteochondrosis, kyphosis;
- unstable psycho-emotional state;
- draft effect, hypothermia.
Identifying the cause of pain is very important, as it is forbidden to start a course of therapy without an accurate diagnosis. Temporary relief of symptoms will not bring the expected results, as the roots remain untreatable.
Although symptomatic treatment helps, lower back pain will continue to recur.
When to see a specialist
Self -treatment at home is possible if the nature of the discomfort does not change, the lesion area does not develop, and there are no additional manifestations.
In certain situations, self -treatment is not possible, but specialist intervention is required. Some examples:
- increased severe pain;
- the local area of the lesion begins to expand or shift;
- there is no sensitivity in the lower part of the foot.
With low toe movement, there is a possibility of damage to the spinal space. Immediate expert intervention is needed.
Methods of treatment at home
A large number of pharmaceutical products can be used to treat low back pain. Patients were offered painkillers, various gels and ointments, as well as suppositories. But, it is impossible to buy medicines yourself, errors in choice can lead to an increase in symptomatic manifestations.
An initial consultation with a traumatologist or therapist will be required. Medication is only prescribed with the submission of a narrow profile specialist. A number of strong drugs are released in pharmacies exclusively by prescription, you can not buy them yourself.
The duration of treatment is from 1 to 6 months, depending on the area of the lesion, the intensity of pain manifestations, the frequency of occurrence of uncomfortable symptoms. The course of therapy must be completed, otherwise the pain will return after a short period of time.
Ointments and gels
For back pain, regardless of the cause, an ointment or gel is always prescribed. These agents act locally, suppressing discomfort and facilitating movement.
The advantage of this method is the minimum number of side effects and contraindications, as well as ease of use.
When using the ointment, some rules must be followed:
- mandatory compliance with instructions for use;
- a little medicine is needed to squeeze into the hands and start rubbing into the lower back, need to use the ointment once a day, preferably before bedtime;
- if side effects occur, you must stop using this medication.
There are various groups of ointments for lower back pain:
- Chondroprotectors. They help strengthen the articular cartilage, suppressing the inflammatory reaction in it.
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory ointment. They are used for any inflammatory reaction, restoring the activity of the musculoskeletal system. Read the contraindications before use.
- Pain reliever. They are used primarily for acute forms of pain, helping to alleviate the transfer of severe symptoms.
There is also a group of combination ointments that combine all of the above properties.
Oral and injectable medications
Oral or injectable medications are similar to ointments, but have increased side effects and an extensive list of contraindications. Before starting a course of therapy, you should read the instructions for use carefully.
The following groups are selected for patients, depending on the nature and duration of the pain:
- Anti-inflammatory drugs. They relieve pain perfectly, helping to suppress the inflammatory process in the lower back. Application can only be made after obtaining permission from an expert.
- Relax the muscles. This group of drugs helps relieve muscle tension, relieve cramps and suppress painful manifestations. Keep in mind that when muscle relaxation is applied, there is a feeling of drowsiness or a spike in blood pressure.
- Corticosteroids. Hormone drugs suppress inflammatory reactions and have analgesic effects.
- Narcotic analgesics. Prescribed exclusively by the attending physician in the event of uncontrolled pain syndrome or surgical intervention.
- Vitamin B. Promotes normalization of blood circulation, oxygen saturation, restores metabolic processes.
Note:most drugs have a strong therapeutic effect, before using them should read the instructions for their use.
Rectal suppositories
These drugs are confidently promoted in the pharmaceutical industry and are actively used for severe back pain for the following reasons:
- dissolves quickly, the result of application is felt in 10-15 minutes;
- no harmful effects on the gastrointestinal tract;
- minimal side effects.
Patches
If, due to lesions of the musculoskeletal system, the lower back hurts, how to treat it at home with a plaster? Very concise.
The treatment plate suppresses pain, relieves inflammation, warms the affected area, which makes it possible to alleviate the patient's condition. Each patch has a unique effect, you need to choose the right medication to achieve the result.
Physical training
Therapeutic exercises are very effective for lumbar lesions. It allows you to:
- develop back muscles;
- restore the distance between the vertebrae and release the pinched nerve;
- improve blood circulation;
- suppressing pain.
Note:Rehabilitation gymnastics cannot be performed for all patient groups; there is a strict list of contraindications. An appropriate set of exercises can only be selected by a treatment specialist.
Examples of popular and useful exercises:
- "Cats". The patient should get all fours and bend the spine, then bend in the opposite direction. Repeat the exercise 3-4 times, the standing time is 5-7 seconds.
- Turning. The person should assume a horizontal position on a hard, flat surface. Bend your knees, start turning your legs to the right, your body to the left. Do 5-6 repetitions, then switch sides.
You need to do your own gymnastics every day, observing medical prescriptions. If negative symptoms appear (headache, choking, disorientation in space), it is necessary to immediately stop exercising.
Sort
Therapeutic massage is most effective for spinal canal lesions. Better to carry out the procedure under the supervision of an expert, independent conduct can lead to a number of consequences as a result of improper movements.
Massage is prohibited for the following groups of patients:
- people with malignant neoplasms;
- patients with active tuberculosis;
- women in the trimester of pregnancy;
- people suffering from hypertension or arrhythmias;
- patients with skin lesions.
When doing a massage yourself, without the services of an experienced specialist, you must first get a list of rules from the doctor for the correct procedure.
Paraffin therapy
Severe pain syndrome is eliminated with paraffin. This procedure improves blood circulation in the lymph and soft tissues in the affected area. Liquid paraffin heats the entire lower back, the effect of its use lasts for several hours.
It is problematic to carry out such a procedure yourself, it is recommended to use the services of an experienced specialist.
Traditional medicine
Traditional medical methods have repeatedly confirmed their effectiveness, sometimes they help where pharmacy fails. But, there is no need to abuse such methods without medical advice, otherwise you can cause damage to the musculoskeletal system.
The most common methods are:
- Compressing.It is necessary to carry out the procedure only in the evening so that the patient can relax physically and mentally. Gauze must be impregnated with a previously made composition (only medicinal ingredients) and applied to the sore spot. Spend in this state at least an hour. As a mixed ingredient, you can use carrots and radish, salt, honey, garlic, mustard.
- Rubbing.It is performed only in the evening, the human body should be in a relaxed state. For rubbing, alcohol tinctures of beaver stream, dandelion root, eucalyptus, red pepper, etc. are used. The product must be carefully applied to the affected area, after which the lower back is wrapped with a warm cloth or blanket. You need to spend at least an hour in the state.
- Heating bath.An excellent method to relax not only the affected area, but also the whole body. The effect of the procedure can be enhanced by using medicinal ingredients (mint, mustard powder). You have to stay in the water until it starts to cool.
There are other traditional medical methods, but the above method is the easiest method to do, does not require large cash costs and theoretical knowledge.
How to give first aid? Lower back pain how to treat at home?
Pain in the lower back does not always appear gradually. Osteochondrosis and other injuries to the spine can occur suddenly, accompanied by severe pain. Light loads, cold air, or heavy lifting - all of these pose similar problems.
The sensation of acute pain must be stopped immediately. Manifestations can be so strong that a person will lose consciousness. Before giving help, the patient should be aware of ammonia.
The victim should be placed horizontally on a hard, flat surface. It is forbidden to place pillows, the spine must be in a straight position. With the supine position will reduce the load on the intervertebral disc, cramps 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 such funds have anti-inflammatory or analgesic effect, such drugs quickly eliminate the uncomfortable manifestations. After applying the ointment, you must leave the victim alone for 30-40 minutes.
If the medications have an effect, you will need to pull the bottom with a warm cloth to fix it. For persistent acute pain, patients can be given anti-inflammatory and painkillers, preferably strong. The tablets will take effect after 30-50 minutes, depending on the intensity of the pain.
Important:you should not abuse painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs, in an emergency, the maximum daily dose is allowed, but no more.
With persistent pain, even after carrying out all the above recommendations, you must call an ambulance.
Prevention of back pain
After knowing why the lower back hurts how to treat at home, it is necessary to learn a prevention program. Special corrective measures are useful both after undergoing therapy and for prophylactic purposes, to prevent the development of problems in the lower back.
Helpful hints:
- Change your diet. Try to exclude light and fatty foods from the menu, minimizing the use of such dishes. The diet should be dominated by fortified and healthy foods, which will fill the body with the necessary micro -elements.
- Control your weight. Obesity levels 2 and 3 place a huge burden not only on the internal organs, but also on the spine. Under the influence of excess weight, there is displacement and deformation of the intervertebral disc, damage to cartilage.
- More activities. With a sedentary lifestyle (e. g. , because of working in the office), you need to do warm -ups and walk every day.
- Reduces stress on the spine. It is not recommended to lift weights and carry them without good reason. Even a small amount of load can damage the spine.
Getting rid of bad habits will also have a good effect on the condition of the lower back. Alcohol interferes with blood circulation, and the half -life product of ethanol has a negative impact on the condition of cartilage and joints.