Lumbar spine pain is considered a common phenomenon and the causes of its appearance may vary. This symptom often occurs due to hypothermia, visceral pathologies, and degenerative changes in the spine. In women, low back pain can be caused by different physiological characteristics of the body and pregnancy. The elimination of such an unpleasant phenomenon can be done with the help of both medicines and folk remedies. You can consult a specialist after a thorough examination to find out why your lower back hurts and how to treat it at home.
Why does the lower back hurt
The primary discomfort and pain in the lumbar region is usually caused by degenerative-dystrophic lesions affecting the intervertebral discs and joints. Over time, the pathological process spreads to the vertebrae and adjacent tissues. The result is back pain and the development of pathologies such as osteochondrosis, spondylarthrosis and spondylosis.
Such diseases develop rather slowly and eventually become chronic. If any complication develops, the patient is concerned about the acute pain and this condition requires mandatory treatment.
Secondary pain in the lumbar zone can also be caused by diseases of the musculoskeletal system and pathologies of other organs.
Experts identify some provocative factors that can cause lower spine pain:
- congenital and acquired lesions of the musculoskeletal system;
- systemic and rheumatological diseases;
- problems with the body's metabolic processes and the pathology of the endocrine system;
- malignant tumors of the spine and adjacent tissues;
- inflammation of the muscles of the lumbar zone;
- spinal cord injuries and injuries;
- gynecological diseases in women;
- pathology of the urinary system.
In men, pain in the lower spine can be caused by prostatitis and increased physical strain on the body.
How to treat the lower back at home
Many people with spinal cord disease experience low back pain on a regular basis. They are most often completely unexpected, so it is important to be able to provide medical help in a timely manner.
In case the lower back hurts, you should lie on a hard and even surface and this should be done slowly and carefully. It is possible to reduce the load on the spine and eliminate the discomfort when lying on its side.
When the pain is relieved, it is advisable to turn your back, allowing the muscles to relax. It is best to place the lower limbs on a raised platform at a 90-degree angle and stay in this position for about 15 minutes. This position helps to relax the back muscles and align the spine.
Once the pain syndrome has resolved, the lower back should be set up correctly to prevent it from reappearing. To do this, turn to your side, stand on all fours, and use any support. Only then should you get back on your feet and only bend your back one last time.
After first aid, it is important to screw the lower back tightly with a handkerchief to secure it. In addition, you can take painkillers during home treatment and see a doctor who will prescribe the necessary treatment.
Medical therapy
Various medications can be used to relieve back pain, but these should only be selected by a doctor. Treatment can be done with the following medications:
- Analgesics. Such medications are good for relieving acute low back pain attacks, but their excessive use can cause side effects. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may be prescribed to eliminate the pathology;
- Drug. Medicines in this group can be used for a short time under the supervision of a specialist;
- Antidepressants. The dosage of these drugs varies in small amounts and can help relieve certain types of chronic back pain. Basically, tricyclic antidepressants are used to eliminate the pathology;
- Local analgesics. Such medications are available in the form of an ointment, cream, or gel that should be rubbed directly onto the painful area.
- Muscle relaxants. In case the pain cannot be relieved with the help of over-the-counter painkillers, a muscle relaxant will be prescribed. Taking these medicines may be accompanied by side effects such as drowsiness and dizziness.
In the event that all of the above measures do not bring relief to the patient, doctors may prescribe the use of a medication such as cortisol. An anti-inflammatory drug is given as an injection into the space around the spinal cord. It can help minimize inflammation around the nerve roots, but it can take months to completely eliminate the pain syndrome.
When a nerve is pinched in the lumbar area and the pain spreads to the foot, treatment should be done with B vitamins to strengthen and restore the affected areas of nerve tissue.
It is important to note that all medications should be discussed with a specialist and only he or she can answer how the patient can cure the lower back.
Physiotherapy
Exercising back pain should combine the following types of exercises:
- Stretching. Proper muscle stretching combined with active exercises helps maintain normal muscle activity in spasms or atrophies. Patients who experience pain in the lumbar region should focus on stretching the muscles of the lower back, abdomen, legs, and hips. Yoga is a good preventative measure that relaxes the muscles and keeps them in good shape;
- dynamic exercises. Such exercises can be performed using special balls and their main purpose is to strengthen the secondary muscles of the spine and maintain different ranges of movement.
It is recommended to supplement the physiotherapy exercises with swimming, cycling and brisk walking. They have a positive effect on stagnating muscles and improving the general condition of the body.
Massage
You can massage and use oregano, juniper, sage, lavender and other oils at home. When performing such a procedure, the following order shall be followed:
- Warm your back for 2-3 minutes by stroking your palms;
- rub the skin with oil with the upper wall of the thumb or the bottom of the palm in slow, circular upward motions;
- the tense back muscles are kneaded with both hands: one comes with pressure, the other relaxes with a light caress.
Self-massage is suitable as an emergency aid in case of back pain, for which the left or right hand should be clenched and spirals should be drawn in the area of discomfort. Every movement should be smooth and precise and strong pressure should be avoided. Such self-massage can be performed several times a day in a painful place.
Physiotherapy
Once the back syndrome has been stopped, therapeutic exercises and gymnastics are allowed. It is important to note that use during exacerbations is prohibited. You need to practice every day to achieve a lasting positive effect.
The physiotherapist should select a series of exercises taking into account the characteristics of the patient's condition. Properly performed, the exercises will strengthen your back muscles and get rid of the pain. During exercise, the absence of pain should be monitored and, if there is a pronounced discomfort, the range of motion should be reduced.
Folk remedies
It is also possible to relieve the pain of back pain with alternative treatment methods, but it is advisable to consult a specialist before using them.
Therapeutic compresses
To eliminate back pain and restore health, you can use the following compression recipes at home:
- Vinegar and honey should be mixed in equal amounts and the cabbage leaf should be smeared with such a mixture. Such a compress should be placed on the lower back from above and wrapped in a warm scarf or shawl. It is recommended that you perform such a procedure several times a day for half an hour;
- You can grate the radish or horseradish and combine the resulting mass with sour cream in a 1: 1 ratio. Such a cure should be applied to the back and covered with a warm scarf. The duration of a procedure is 1-1, 5 hours, and usually after the time has elapsed the pain syndrome disappears completely;
- Raw potatoes and horseradish should be minced in equal proportions with a grater and mixed with 5-10 ml of honey. The resulting mixture should be applied to the sore back and the procedure will take 1-1, 5 hours.
In the fight against pain, a bow has a good effect, which can be applied all night on the lower back and wrapped in a warm cloth after grinding in a blender. You can dissolve the mustard powder in water until you get a homogeneous mass and spread it on your back for 5 minutes. Folk healers say that after removing such a compress, you will definitely feel better.
Rubbing
The rapid elimination of pain is aided by a method such as rubbing that not only increases blood flow to the affected area but also improves metabolic processes. It is best to perform this procedure before going to bed using the following tools:
- hot honey;
- a mixture of iodine, valerian, triple cologne and crushed red pepper;
- alcoholic tincture of eucalyptus, adam root or burdock.
A mixture of 10 grams of tansy leaves and flowers and a glass of boiling water has a good effect on relieving low back pain. This mixture should be infused in a thermos for one hour, then filtered and mixed with 5 grams of soda. With a cure, daily rubbing should be done for several days before going to bed.
Infusions for internal use
The pathology can be dealt with with devices intended for internal use. At home, you can use the following recipes to treat back pain:
- The roots of cinquefoil should be ground and 500 ml of vodka should be poured. The resulting mixture should be infused for 1 month and then taken several times a day, 1 tbsp. l;
- You can pre-cook 10 basil leaves in water so that all the liquid evaporates. After that, the painkiller should be cooled and a little soda added. The resulting mixture should be taken orally several times a day;
- Soak a little wheat in water and leave this mass overnight. In the morning, add the coriander and boil the mixture in 200 ml of milk. It is recommended to take such a drug twice a day until the pain syndrome has completely disappeared.
A proven and effective folk remedy for back pain is elecampane wine, which is made by combining 100 grams of yeast with one liter of honey and 30 grams of crushed roots. The resulting mixture is placed in a three-liter jar, a little water is added, and a pierced rubber glove is placed around our neck. After 30 days, place the container in the refrigerator and drink it reggel in the morning and before going to bed.
Preventive measures
Home pain therapy is allowed both during the chronic course of the pathology and to alleviate the acute attack. This therapy is suitable for both young and elderly patients.
To prevent back pain, it is recommended to exercise actively and perform exercises aimed at strengthening the spinal muscles and lumbar zone. Simultaneously with the ongoing treatment, it is necessary to strengthen the muscles of the peritoneum, as well as regular exercise in the pelvis and pumping of the press.
Women should refrain from wearing high heels and platform shoes, which reduces the strain on the spine and lower back. You should sleep on a solid orthopedic mattress because such a measure will help you to completely relax your spine and avoid pathologies in your spine.