Few people know what to do if their lower back hurts badly how to deal with the problem area at home. Most people refuse to see a doctor because of expensive medical services, others prefer traditional, proven methods.
Self-medication is possible, provided the diagnosis is well known. Temporary relief of acute symptoms will not solve the problem and long-term development of the disease will cause a transition to a chronic form. It is advisable to consult an expert on this subject who can give practical recommendations.
Causes of back pain
Both a chronic illness and an accident can cause lower back pain. In women, a similar problem is a complication of gynecological diseases (fibroids, adenitis, malignant neoplasm). In men, back pain occurs mainly against the background of difficult working conditions and lifting heavy objects.
The most common causes of this problem are:
- stages 2 and 3 obesity;
- excessive sitting position.
- excessive loads during sports activities.
- lifting and carrying weights;
- chondrosis, osteochondrosis, kyphosis.
- unstable psycho-emotional state.
- the effect of currents, hypothermia.
Identifying the cause of the pain is very important, as it is forbidden to start a treatment course without an accurate diagnosis. Temporary relief of symptoms will not bring the expected results, because the root cause will remain untreated.
Even if symptomatic treatment helps, back pain will keep coming back.
When to see a specialist
Self-medication at home is possible if the nature of the discomfort remains unchanged, the local area of the lesion does not expand and there are no additional manifestations.
In some cases, self-medication may not be possible, but special intervention is required. Some examples:
- sharp increase in pain.
- the local area of the lesion began to expand or shift.
- there is no sensitivity in the lower extremities.
With low toe mobility, there is a possibility of spinal cord injury. Immediate special intervention is required.
Home remedies
A huge range of medicines can be used to treat low back pain. The patient is offered analgesics, various gels and ointments, as well as suppositories. But, it is impossible to buy medicines yourself, a mistake in the choice can lead to an increase in symptomatic manifestations.
Prior consultation with a traumatologist or therapist is required. Medicines are prescribed only with the submission of a special narrow profile. Some powerful medicines are available in pharmacies only with a 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 the manifestations of pain, the frequency of unpleasant symptoms. The course of treatment must be completed, otherwise the pain will return after a short time.
Ointments and gels
Ointments or gels are always prescribed for back pain, regardless of the underlying cause. These factors act locally, suppress discomfort and facilitate movement.
The advantage of this method is the minimal number of side effects and contraindications, as well as ease of use.
When applying ointments, certain rules must be observed:
- mandatory compliance with the instructions for use;
- it takes a little medicine to tighten the arm and start rubbing the lower back, it is necessary to apply the ointment once a day, preferably before bedtime.
- If side effects occur, stop taking this medicine.
There are several groups of ointments for lower back pain:
- Chondroprotective. They help strengthen the articular cartilage, suppress the inflammatory reactions in it.
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory ointments. Used for any inflammatory reactions, they restore the activity of the musculoskeletal system. Read the contraindications before use.
- Painkillers. They are mainly used for acute forms of pain, they help to facilitate the transmission of serious symptoms.
There is also a combined group of ointments that combine all of the above properties.
Oral and injectable drugs
Oral or injectable drugs are similar in action to ointments, but have enhanced side effects and a long list of contraindications. Before starting a treatment course, you should carefully read the instructions for use.
The following groups are selected for the patient, depending on the nature and duration of the pain:
- Anti-inflammatory drugs. They perfectly relieve pain, help suppress the inflammatory process in the lower back. The application is possible only with the permission of a specialist.
- Muscle relaxants. This group of drugs helps to relieve muscle tension, relieve convulsions and suppress painful manifestations. It is worth noting that when muscle relaxants are used, there is drowsiness or high blood pressure.
- Corticosteroids. Hormonal drugs suppress inflammatory reactions and have an analgesic effect.
- Narcotic analgesics. It is prescribed exclusively by the treating physician in case of uncontrollable pain syndrome or surgery.
- Vitamin B. Promotes the normalization of blood circulation, oxygen saturation, restores metabolic processes.
Note:Most drugs have a strong therapeutic effect, before use it is necessary to read the instructions for use.
Correct suppositories
These drugs are confidently marketed in the pharmaceutical industry and are actively used for severe back pain for the following reasons:
- dissolves quickly, the effect of application is felt in 10-15 minutes.
- there is no harmful effect on the gastrointestinal tract.
- minimal side effects.
Blot
If, due to damage to the musculoskeletal system, the lower back hurts, how to treat it at home with plaster? Very simple.
The treatment plates prevent pain, relieve inflammation, warm the affected area, which makes it possible to alleviate the patient's condition. Each patch has a unique effect, you must choose the right treatment to achieve the result.
Physical exercise
Therapeutic exercises are extremely effective for lumbar lesions. Allows you to:
- develop the back muscles.
- restore the distance between the vertebrae and release pinched nerves.
- improving blood circulation.
- suppress pain.
Note:Therapeutic exercise can not be performed for all groups of patients; there is a strict list of contraindications. An appropriate set of exercises can only be selected by a therapist.
Examples of popular and useful exercises:
- "Cat". The patient should stand on all fours and bend the spine and then bend in the opposite direction. Repeat the exercise 3-4 times, the duration of the posture is 5-7 seconds.
- TwistThe person should take 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 and then change sides.
You need to exercise on your own every day, following medical prescriptions. If there are negative symptoms (headache, headache, disorientation in space), it is necessary to stop exercising immediately.
Massage
Therapeutic massage is more effective for spinal cord injuries. It is better to carry out the procedure under the supervision of a specialist, independent behavior can lead to many consequences due to wrong moves.
Massage is prohibited for the following groups of patients:
- people with malignant neoplasms;
- patients with active tuberculosis;
- women in any trimester of pregnancy.
- people suffering from hypertension or arrhythmia;
- patients with skin lesions.
When massaging yourself, without the services of an experienced specialist, you should first get a list of rules from the doctor for the correct procedure.
Paraffin treatment
Severe pain syndrome is well removed with paraffin. The procedure improves blood circulation to the lymph nodes and soft tissues of the affected area. The melted paraffin heats the entire lower back, the effect of the application lasts several hours.
It is problematic to perform such a procedure yourself, it is recommended to use the services of an experienced specialist.
Traditional medicine
Traditional medicine methods have repeatedly confirmed their effectiveness, sometimes helping where medicines have failed. But, it is not worth abusing such methods without medical advice, otherwise you can cause irreparable damage to the musculoskeletal system.
The most common methods are:
- It compresses.It is necessary to perform the procedure only at night, so that the patient is physically and mentally relaxed. The gauze cloth should be impregnated with a prefabricated composition (medicinal herbs only) and applied to the sore spot. Stay in this state for at least an hour. As ingredients of the mixture, you can use radish and horseradish, salt, honey, garlic, mustard.
- Rubbing.Conducted only at night, the human body must be in a relaxed state. For rubbing, alcoholic tinctures of beaver stream, dandelion root, eucalyptus, red pepper, etc. are used. The product should be rubbed well on the affected area, after which the lower back is wrapped in warm cloth or blanket. You must spend at least one hour in this state.
- Heating bath.An excellent method to relax not only the affected area, but the whole body. The effect of the procedure can be enhanced by using medicinal herbs (mint, mustard powder). It is necessary to stay in the water until it starts to cool.
There are other methods of traditional medicine, but the above methods are the simplest to perform, do not require extensive cash costs and theoretical knowledge.
How do we provide first aid? Backache how to treat at home?
Lower back pain does not always appear gradually. Osteochondrosis and other spinal injuries can occur suddenly, accompanied by severe pain. Light load, cold air or heavy lifting - all cause a similar problem.
Acute sensations of pain must be stopped urgently. The manifestations can be so intense that a person will lose consciousness. Before providing assistance, it is necessary to accustom the patient to ammonia.
The victim should be placed horizontally on a hard, flat surface. It is forbidden to place a pillow, the spine must be in a straight position. Being supine will reduce the load on the intervertebral discs, spasms 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 the funds have anti-inflammatory or analgesic effect, such drugs quickly relieve unpleasant manifestations. After applying the ointment, you should leave the victim alone for 30-40 minutes.
If the medication works, you will need to pull the lower back with a warm cloth to secure it tightly. For persistent acute pain, the patient may be given anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs, preferably strong. The tablets will take effect after 30-50 minutes, depending on the intensity of the pain.
Great:you can not abuse painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs, in an emergency, the maximum daily dose is allowed, but no more.
With constant pain, even after performing all of the above recommendations, you need to call an ambulance.
Prevention of back pain
Once it is found out why the lower back hurts how to treat at home, it is necessary to learn the preventive program. Special corrective measures are useful both after a course of treatment and for preventive purposes, to prevent the development of problems in the lower back.
Auxiliary tips:
- Change your diet. Try to exclude junk and fatty foods from the menu, minimize the consumption of such dishes. The diet should be dominated by enriched and healthy food, which will saturate the body with the necessary micronutrients.
- Check body weight. Stages 2 and 3 impose a huge load not only on the internal organs, but also on the spine. Under the influence of excessive body weight, there is displacement and deformation of the intervertebral discs, cartilage damage.
- More activity. With a sedentary lifestyle (for example, due to office work), you need to warm up daily and take walks.
- Reduce stress on the spine. It is not recommended to lift weights and carry them for no good reason. Even a small load can deform the spine.
Getting rid of bad habits will also have a beneficial effect on the condition of the lower back. Alcohol disrupts blood circulation and the half-life of ethanol products adversely affects the condition of cartilage and joints.