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 of the spine. In women, back pain can be caused by various physiological characteristics of the body and pregnancy. Elimination of such an unpleasant phenomenon can be carried out both with the help of drugs and with folk remedies. To find out why the lower back hurts and how to treat it at home, you can consult a specialist after a thorough examination.
Because the lower back hurts
Primary discomfort and pain in the lumbar region are usually caused by degenerative-dystrophic changes 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, spondyloarthrosis and spondylosis.
Such diseases progress rather slowly and eventually become chronic. With the development of any complications, the patient is concerned about acute pain, and this condition requires mandatory treatment.
Secondary pain in the lower back can be triggered both by diseases of the musculoskeletal system and by pathologies of other organs.
Specialists identify some provoking factors, under the influence of which pain in the lower spine can occur:
- lesions of the musculoskeletal system of a 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 lower back;
- 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 the lower back at home
Many people with spinal disorders experience bouts of low back pain periodically. Most often, they appear completely unexpectedly, so it is important to be able to provide medical assistance in a timely manner.
In case the lower back hurts, it is necessary to lie down 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 discomfort if you lie on your side.
When the pain subsides, it is recommended to turn on the back, which will allow the muscles to relax. It is best to place the lower limbs on a raised platform at a 90 degree angle and remain in this state for about 15 minutes. This position helps the back muscles relax and align the spine.
After eliminating the pain syndrome in the lower back, it is necessary to stand up correctly to prevent it from returning. To do this, turn on your side, get on all fours and use any support. Only then is it allowed to stand up and stretch the back only last.
After giving first aid to the patient, it is important to tightly wrap the lower back with a handkerchief and then secure it. Also, during treatment at home, it is permissible to take a drug with an analgesic effect and visit a doctor who will prescribe the necessary treatment.
Medical therapy
To eliminate back pain, various drugs can be used, but only a doctor should select them. Treatment can be done with the following drugs:
- Pain relievers. Such drugs are useful in 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;
- Narcotics. Medicines of this group can be used for a short time under the supervision of a specialist;
- Antidepressants. 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 relievers. Such medicines are available in the form of an ointment, cream or gel, which must be rubbed directly into the painful area.
- Muscle relaxants. In the event that it is not possible to get rid of the pain with the help of over-the-counter pain relievers, a muscle relaxant is prescribed. Taking these drugs can be accompanied by the development of side effects such as sleepiness 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 drug such as cortisol. An anti-inflammatory drug is given by injection into the space around the spinal cord. With its help, it is possible to minimize the inflammation around the nerve roots, but it may take several months to completely get rid of the pain syndrome.
When a nerve is pinched in the lower back 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 nerve tissue is affected.
It is important to remember that any medication must be agreed with a specialist and only he will be able to answer the patient on how to treat the lower back.
Physiotherapy
Physical therapy for back pain should combine the following types of exercises:
- Elongation. Proper stretching of the muscles in combination with active exercises helps maintain normal activity of the muscles that are suffering from spasms or atrophy. Patients experiencing pain in the lower back should focus on stretching the muscles of the lower back, abdomen, legs and hips. Yoga is considered a good preventative 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 keep them in various ranges of motion.
It is recommended to integrate physiotherapy exercises with swimming, cycling and brisk walking. They have a positive effect on muscle stagnation 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 performing this procedure, the following sequence should be observed:
- for 2-3 minutes warm the back by stroking with the palms of the hands;
- rub the skin with oil with the upper phalanx of the thumb or the base of the palm in slow circular upward movements;
- the tense back muscles are kneaded with two hands: one comes with pressure and the other relaxes, lightly stroking.
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 permissible to carry out such self-massage in a painful place every day several times a day.
Physiotherapy
After it was possible to stop the back pain syndrome, 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 exercise every day.
A physiotherapist should select a set of exercises, taking into account the characteristics of the patient's condition. When done correctly, the exercises help strengthen the back muscles and get rid of pain. During the exercise, it is necessary to monitor the absence of pain, and in case of pronounced discomfort, it is necessary to reduce the range of motion.
Folk remedies
It is possible to relieve well-being with back pain with the help of alternative treatment methods, but before using them it is recommended to consult a specialist.
Therapeutic compresses
To eliminate back pain and restore good health, you can use the following tablet recipes at home:
- It is necessary to mix vinegar and honey in equal quantities 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 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;
- 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 must be applied to back pain, and the procedure takes 1-1. 5 hours.
A good effect in the fight against pain gives a flake, which can be applied all night on the lower back and wrapped with a warm cloth, after grinding it in a blender. You can dissolve the mustard powder in water until it forms a mass of homogeneous consistency and apply it on your back for 5 minutes. Folk healers say that after removing such a compress, you will certainly feel better.
Rubbing
The rapid elimination of pain is facilitated by such a method as rubbing, which can not only increase blood flow to 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:
- hot honey;
- a blend of iodine, valerian, triple cologne and chopped chilli;
- alcoholic tincture of eucalyptus, adam's root or burdock.
A good effect in eliminating pain in the lower back gives a mixture prepared from 10 grams of tansy leaves and flowers and a glass of boiling water. This mixture must be infused in a thermos for an hour, then strain and mix with 5 grams of soda. With the help of a remedy, daily rubbing should be done before going to bed for several days.
Herbal teas for internal use
It is possible to cope with pathology with the help of means intended for internal use. At home, you can use the following recipes for 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. Next, the pain medicine needs to be cooled and a little soda added to it. The resulting mixture must be taken orally every day several times a day;
- Soak some grain in water and leave this mass overnight. In the morning you need to add cilantro and boil the mixture in 200 ml of milk. It is recommended to take such a drug 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 an openwork rubber glove is put on the neck. After 30 days, the container is returned to the refrigerator and drunk ½ cup in the morning and at bedtime.
Preventive measures
Pain therapy at home can be performed both in the chronic course of the pathology, and to relieve an acute attack. This therapy is suitable for both young and elderly patients.
To prevent back pain, it is recommended to actively move and do exercises aimed at strengthening the spinal muscles and lower back. 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 spine and avoid spinal pathologies.