Pain in the lumbar spine is considered a common phenomenon, and the reasons for its occurrence can be different. Often such a symptom occurs with hypothermia, pathologies of internal organs and degenerative changes in the spine. In women, back pain can be caused by various physiological properties of the body and pregnancy. Getting rid of such an unpleasant phenomenon can be done both with medicines and with folk remedies. To find out why the lower back hurts and how to treat it at home, you can visit a specialist after a thorough examination.
Why does the lower back hurt
Primary discomfort and pain in the lumbar region are most often 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 such pathologies as osteochondrosis, spondylarthrosis and spondylosis.
Such diseases progress rather slowly and eventually become chronic. With the development of complications, the patient is concerned about acute pain, and this condition requires mandatory treatment.
Secondary pain in the lumbar region 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 may appear:
- 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 disorders experience back pain on a regular basis. Most often they appear completely unexpectedly, so it is important to be able to provide medical help in a timely manner.
In the event that the lower back hurts, it is necessary to lie on a hard and flat surface, and this should be done slowly and carefully. It is possible to reduce the load on the spine and eliminate discomfort by lying on your side.
When the pain subsides, it is recommended to turn on your back to allow the muscles to relax. It is best to place the lower limbs on a raised platform at an angle of 90 degrees 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 get up properly in order to prevent its recurrence. To do this, turn on your side, stand on all fours and use every support. Only then can you stand up and finally relax your back.
After the initial treatment of the patient, it is important to wrap the lower back tightly with a handkerchief and thereby fix it. In addition, when treating at home, it is allowed 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 they should only be selected by a doctor. Treatment can be carried out with the following drugs:
- Painkiller. Such drugs are good for relieving acute attacks of back pain, but their excessive use can cause side effects. To eliminate the pathology, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can be prescribed;
- narcotics. 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 pathology;
- Topical pain relievers. Such drugs are available in the form of an ointment, cream or gel, which must be rubbed directly into the painful area.
- muscle relaxer. In the event that it is not possible to get rid of the pain with the help of over-the-counter painkillers, a muscle relaxant is prescribed. Taking these drugs can 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, the doctor may prescribe the use of a drug 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 can take several months to completely eliminate the pain syndrome.
If a nerve is pinched in the lumbar region and the pain spreads to the leg, then treatment with B vitamins should be carried out, thanks to which it is possible to strengthen and restore the areas where the nerve tissue is affected.
It is important to remember that any medication should be agreed with a specialist, and only he can answer the patient how to cure the lower back.
physical therapy
Exercise therapy for back pain should combine the following types of exercise:
- Strain. Proper stretching of muscles in combination with active exercises will help maintain normal activity of muscles suffering from spasms or atrophy. Patients with low back pain should focus on stretching the muscles of the lower back, abdomen, legs, and hips. Yoga is considered a good preventative measure that keeps muscles relaxed and in 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 different ranges of motion.
It is recommended to supplement 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 oregano, juniper, sage, lavender and other oils. When carrying out such a procedure, the following sequence must be observed:
- Warm up your back by stroking your palms for 2-3 minutes;
- rub the skin with oil with the top of the thumb or the base of the palm in slow upward circular motions;
- Tense back muscles are kneaded with two hands: one comes with pressure, the other relaxes with light caressing.
Self-massage is suitable as an immediate aid for back pain, for which you should clench your left or right hand into a fist and thus draw spirals in the area of the discomfort. All movements should be smooth and precise, and heavy pressure should be avoided. It is allowed to do such a self-massage in a painful place several times a day.
physical therapy
After it was possible to stop the pain syndrome in the back, it is allowed to do therapeutic exercises and gymnastics. It is important to remember that it is forbidden to use it during exacerbations. To achieve a lasting positive effect, you need to practice every day.
A physical therapist should choose a set of exercises, taking into account the characteristics of the patient's condition. When done correctly, the exercises will help strengthen the back muscles and get rid of pain. During exercise, it is necessary to monitor the absence of pain, and with pronounced discomfort, the range of motion must be reduced.
home remedies
It is possible to relieve well-being from back pain with the help of alternative methods of treatment, but before using them it is recommended to consult a specialist.
Therapeutic compresses
To get rid of back pain and restore health, you can use the following compress recipes at home:
- It is necessary to mix vinegar and honey in equal amounts and smear 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 do 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 1: 1 ratio. 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 passage of time the pain syndrome completely disappears;
- It is necessary to grind raw potatoes and horseradish in equal proportions with a grater and mix with 5-10 ml of honey. The resulting mixture should be applied to the sore back, and the process takes 1-1. 5 hours.
A good effect in the fight against pain gives a bow that can be applied to the lower back all night and wrapped with a warm cloth, after grinding it in a blender. You can dissolve mustard powder in water until you get 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 definitely feel better.
Rub
Quick 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 do this process before bedtime with the help of the following remedies:
- warm honey;
- a mixture of iodine, valerian, triple cologne and crushed red pepper;
- Alcohol tincture of eucalyptus, Adam's root or burdock.
A good effect in eliminating pain in the lower back gives a mixture of 10 grams of leaves and flowers of tansy 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 should be rubbed daily for several days before bedtime.
Infusions for internal use
It is possible to cope with the pathology with the help of funds 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 for 1 month, after which it should be taken several times a day, 1 tbsp. I;
- You can pre-boil 10 basil leaves in water to evaporate all the liquid. After that, the painkiller must be cooled and mixed with a little soda. The resulting mixture should be taken orally several times a day, every day;
- Soak some wheat 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 a pierced rubber glove is put on the neck. After 30 days, the container is placed in the refrigerator and ½ cup is drunk in the morning and before bedtime.
Precautions
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 older patients.
To prevent back pain, it is recommended to actively move and do exercises aimed at strengthening the muscles of the spine and lumbar region. 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 shoes and platform shoes as it reduces stress on the spine and lower back. It is necessary to sleep on a firm orthopedic mattress, since such a measure will help to fully relax the spine and avoid spinal diseases.