Pain in the lumbar spine is considered a common phenomenon and the reasons for their appearance may be different. Often, such a symptom appears from hypothermia, pathologies of internal organs and degenerative changes in the spine. In women, lower back pain can be caused by various physiological characteristics of the body and pregnancy. The elimination of such an unpleasant phenomenon can be carried out both with the help of drugs and folk remedies. You can find out why your lower back hurts and how to treat it at home with a specialist after a thorough examination.
Why does the lower back hurt
Primary discomfort and pain in the lumbar region are usually caused by degenerative-dystrophic changes that affect 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 progress rather slowly and eventually become chronic. With the development of any complications, the patient is worried about acute pain, and this condition requires mandatory treatment.
Secondary pain in the lumbar zone can be triggered by both diseases of the musculoskeletal system and pathologies of other organs.
Experts identify some provoking factors, under the influence of which pain in the lower spine may occur:
- lesions of the musculoskeletal system of congenital and acquired nature;
- systemic and rheumatological diseases;
- problems with metabolic processes in the body and pathology of the endocrine system;
- malignant tumors on the spine and adjacent tissues;
- inflammation of the muscles of the lumbar zone;
- injuries and injuries of the spine;
- gynecological diseases in women;
- pathology of the urinary system.
The cause of pain in men in the lower spine can be prostatitis and increased physical exertion on the body.
How to treat lower back at home
Many people who suffer from spinal pathologies periodically experience bouts of lower back pain. Most often, they appear completely unexpectedly, so it is important to be able to provide medical assistance in a timely manner.
In the event that the lower back hurts, it is necessary to lie on a hard and even surface, and this should be done slowly and carefully. It is possible to reduce the load on the spinal column and eliminate discomfort if you lie on your side.
When the pain subsides, it is recommended to turn on your back, which will allow the muscles to relax. It is best to place the lower limbs on a raised platform at an angle of 90 degrees and stay in this state for about 15 minutes. This position helps the back muscles to relax and align the spine.
After eliminating the pain syndrome in the lower back, it is necessary to stand up correctly in order to prevent its reappearance. To do this, turn on your side, get on all fours and use any support. Only after that is it allowed to rise to your feet, and unbend your back only last.
After giving first aid to the patient, it is important to tightly wrap the lower back with a handkerchief and thereby fix it. In addition, when treating at home, it is allowed to take a medication with an analgesic effect and visit a doctor who will prescribe the necessary treatment.
Medical therapy
To eliminate back pain, various medications can be used, but only a doctor should select them. Treatment can be carried out with the following drugs:
- Painkillers. Such drugs are good for relieving acute attacks of low back pain, but their excessive use can cause side effects. To eliminate the pathology, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can be prescribed;
- Narcotic drugs. Medicines of this group are allowed to be used for a short time under the supervision of a specialist;
- Antidepressants. The dosages of these drugs vary in small amounts, and with their help it is possible to relieve some types of chronic back pain. Basically, tricyclic antidepressants are used to eliminate the pathology;
- Topical pain medications. Such medicines are available in the form of an ointment, cream or gel, which must be rubbed directly into the painful area.
- Muscle relaxers. In the event that it is not possible to get rid of the pain with the help of over-the-counter pain relievers, then a muscle relaxant is prescribed. Taking these medications may be accompanied by the development of side effects such as drowsiness and dizziness.
In the event that all of the above measures do not bring relief to the patient, then 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. With its help, it is possible to minimize inflammation around the nerve roots, but it may take several months to completely eliminate the pain syndrome.
When a nerve is pinched in the lumbar area and pain spreads to the leg, treatment should be carried out using B vitamins. Thanks to them, it is possible to strengthen and restore those areas where the nervous tissue is affected.
It is important to remember that any medication should be agreed with a specialist, and only he will be able to answer the patient how to cure the lower back.
Physiotherapy
Exercise therapy for back pain should combine the following types of exercises:
- Stretching. Proper stretching of muscles in combination with active exercises helps to maintain normal activity of muscles that suffer from spasms or atrophy. Patients who experience pain in the lumbar region should concentrate on stretching the muscles of the lower back, abdomen, legs and hips. Yoga is considered a good preventive measure, which 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 it in various ranges of motion.
It is recommended to supplement physiotherapy exercises with swimming, cycling and brisk walking. They have a positive effect on stagnation in the muscles and improve the general condition of the body.
Massage
At home, you can massage and use oil of oregano, juniper, sage, lavender and other types. When carrying out such a procedure, the following sequence must be observed:
- for 2-3 minutes, warm up the back by stroking with the palms;
- rub the skin with oil with the upper phalanx of the thumb or the base of the palm with slow circular upward movements;
- tense back muscles are kneaded with two hands: one of them comes with pressure, and the other relaxes, stroking slightly.
As an emergency aid for back pain, self-massage is suitable, for which you should clench your left or right hand into a fist and start drawing spirals with it in the area of discomfort. All movements should be smooth and precise, and strong pressure should be avoided. It is allowed to perform such self-massage in a painful place every day several times a day.
Physiotherapy
After it was possible to stop the pain syndrome in the back, it is allowed to engage in therapeutic exercises and gymnastics. It is important to remember that it is forbidden to use it during exacerbations. To get a lasting positive effect, you need to practice every day.
A physiotherapist should select a set of exercises, taking into account the characteristics of the patient's condition. When performed correctly, the exercises help to strengthen the muscles of the back and get rid of pain. During the exercise, it is necessary to monitor the absence of pain, and if there is pronounced discomfort, it is necessary to reduce the range of motion.
Folk remedies
It is possible to alleviate well-being with back pain with the help of alternative methods of treatment, but before using them, it is recommended to consult a specialist.
Therapeutic compresses
In order to eliminate pain in the back and restore good health, you can use the following compress recipes at home:
- It is necessary to mix vinegar and honey in equal amounts, and spread the cabbage leaf with such a mixture. Such a compress should be applied to the lower back from above and wrapped with a warm scarf or scarf. It is recommended to carry out such a procedure several times a day for half an hour;
- You can grate radish or horseradish and combine the resulting mass with sour cream in a ratio of 1: 1. Such a remedy must be applied to the back and covered with a warm scarf. The duration of one procedure is 1-1. 5 hours and usually after the time has elapsed, the pain syndrome completely disappears;
- It is necessary to grind raw potatoes and horseradish with a grater in equal proportions and mix with 5-10 ml of honey. The resulting mixture should be applied to the sore back, and the procedure takes 1-1. 5 hours.
A good effect in the fight against pain gives a bow, which can be applied all night on the lower back and wrap it with a warm cloth, after grinding it in a blender. You can dissolve mustard powder in water until a mass of a homogeneous consistency is formed and apply 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 facilitated by such a method as rubbing, which can not only increase blood flow in the affected area, but also improve metabolic processes. It is best to carry out this procedure before going to bed with the help of the following means:
- warm honey;
- a mixture of iodine, valerian, triple cologne and crushed red pepper;
- alcohol tincture of eucalyptus, adam root or burdock.
A good effect in eliminating pain in the lower back gives a mixture prepared from 10 grams of leaves and flowers of tansy, and a glass of boiling water. This mixture must be insisted in a thermos for an hour, then strain and mix with 5 grams of soda. With the help of a therapeutic agent, daily rubbing should be done before going to bed for several days.
Infusions for internal use
It is possible to cope with pathology with the help of means that are intended for internal use. At home, you can use the following recipes for lower back pain:
- It is necessary to grind the cinquefoil root and pour a mass of 500 ml of vodka. The resulting mixture should be left to infuse for 1 month, after which it should be taken several times a day, 1 tbsp. l;
- You can pre-boil 10 basil leaves in water to evaporate all the liquid. After that, the medicine for pain must be cooled and a little soda should be added to it. The resulting mixture should be taken orally daily several times a day;
- Soak some wheat in water and leave this mass overnight. In the morning, you need to add coriander, and boil the mixture in 200 ml of milk. Such a drug is recommended to be taken twice a day until the pain syndrome is completely eliminated.
A proven and effective folk remedy for back pain is elecampane wine, for the preparation of which 100 grams of yeast are combined with a liter of honey and 30 grams of crushed root. The resulting mixture is placed in a three-liter jar, a little water is added and a pierced rubber glove is put on the neck. After 30 days, the container is placed in the refrigerator and drunk ½ cup in the morning and before going to bed.
Preventive measures
Pain therapy at home is allowed to be carried out both in the chronic course of the pathology, and to relieve an acute attack. This therapy is suitable for both young people and elderly patients.
To prevent back pain, it is recommended to actively move and do exercises that are aimed at strengthening the spinal muscles and the lumbar zone. Simultaneously with the ongoing treatment, it is necessary to strengthen the muscles of the peritoneum, as well as regularly exercise in the pool and pump the press.
Women should refrain from wearing high-heeled and platform shoes, which will reduce the load on the spine and lower back. It is necessary to sleep on a solid orthopedic mattress, because such a measure helps to completely relax the spinal column and avoid spinal pathologies.