Low back pain is considered a common phenomenon and the reasons for their appearance can be different. Often, such a symptom is manifested by hypothermia, pathologies of internal organs and degenerative changes in the spine. In women, back pain can be caused by different physiological characteristics of the body and pregnancy. Elimination of such an unpleasant phenomenon can be carried out with the help of drugs as well as folk remedies. To find out why your lower back hurts and how to treat it at home, you can consult 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 affecting the discs and intervertebral 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 quite slowly and eventually become chronic. With the development of any complication, the patient worries about acute pain and this condition requires mandatory treatment.
Secondary pain in the lumbar area can be caused by diseases of the musculoskeletal system as well as pathologies of other organs.
Specialists identify several provocative factors, under the influence of which pain may appear in the lower part of the spine:
- lesions of the musculoskeletal system of congenital and acquired nature;
- systemic and rheumatic diseases;
- problems with metabolic processes in the body and pathology of the endocrine system;
- malignant tumors in the spine and adjacent tissues;
- inflammation of the muscles of the lumbar area;
- spinal cord injuries and injuries;
- gynecological diseases in women;
- urinary system pathology.
The cause of pain in men in the lower part of the spine can be prostatitis and increased physical strain on the body.
How to treat lower back pain at home
Many people who suffer from spinal pathologies periodically experience periods of back pain. Most often, they appear completely unexpected, so it is important to be able to provide medical help in a timely manner.
In case the lower back hurts, it is necessary to lie on a firm 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 if you lie on your side.
When the pain subsides, it is recommended to turn your back, which will allow the muscles to relax. It is best to place the lower limbs on a platform raised at a 90-degree angle and stay in this position for about 15 minutes. This position helps the back muscles relax and line the spine.
After eliminating the pain syndrome in the lower back, it is necessary to stand up correctly to prevent its recurrence. To do this, turn to your side, climb on all fours, and use any support. Only after that is it allowed to stand up and bend the back only the last.
After giving first aid to the patient, it is important to wrap the lower back tightly with a handkerchief and thus adjust it. In addition, when treated at home, it is permissible to take a medicine with analgesic effect and visit a doctor who will prescribe the necessary treatment.
Medical therapy
Various medications can be used to eliminate back pain, but only the doctor should choose them. Treatment can be performed with the following drugs:
- Painkillers. Such drugs are good for relieving acute attacks of back pain, but excessive use of them can cause side effects. To eliminate the pathology, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may be prescribed;
- Narcotic drugs. Drugs of this group are allowed to be used for a short time under the supervision of a specialist;
- Antidepressants. Doses 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;
- Local pain medications. Such medicines are available in the form of an oil, cream or gel, which should be rubbed directly on the painful area.
- Muscle relaxants. In case 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 associated with the development of side effects such as drowsiness and dizziness.
If 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 compressed in the lumbar area and the pain spreads to the legs, treatment should be performed using vitamin B. Thanks to them, it is possible to strengthen and restore those areas where the nerve 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 on how to cure the lower back.
Physiotherapy
Exercise therapy for back pain should combine the following types of exercises:
- Laying down. Proper muscle extension in combination with active exercises helps maintain normal muscle activity suffering from spasms or atrophy. Patients experiencing pain in the lumbar region 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 it in different range of motion.
It is recommended to complete physiotherapy exercises with swimming, cycling and brisk walking. They have a positive effect on muscle stagnation and improve the overall condition of the body.
Massage
At home you can massage and use the oil of oregano, juniper, sage, lavender and other types. When performing such a procedure, the following sequence must be observed:
- for 2-3 minutes warm your back by caressing it with your palms;
- rub the oily skin with the upper phalanx of the thumb or the base of the palm in slow circular upward motions;
- the tense muscles of the back are mixed with two hands: one of them comes with pressure, and the other relaxes, caressing it slightly.
As an urgent help for back pain, self-massage is suitable, for which you should squeeze your left or right hand into the fist and start drawing spirals with it in the area of concern. All movements should be smooth and precise, and strong pressure should be avoided. It is permissible to perform such a self-massage in a painful place every day several times a day.
Physiotherapy
Once it has become possible to stop back pain syndrome, you are allowed to engage in therapeutic exercises and gymnastics. It is important to remember that it is forbidden to use during irritations. To get a lasting positive effect, you need to practice every day.
A physiotherapist should choose a set of exercises, taking into account the characteristics of the patient's condition. When performed properly, the exercises help to strengthen the back muscles and relieve pain. During 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 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 home compress recipes:
- It is necessary to mix vinegar and honey in equal amounts, and with such a mixture scatter the cabbage leaf. Such a compress should be applied to the lower back from above and wrapped in a warm scarf or shawl. It is recommended to perform such a procedure several times a day for half an hour;
- You can grind 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 that the raw potatoes and horseradish are ground with a grater in equal proportions and mixed with 5-10 ml of honey. The resulting mixture should be applied to the injured back and the procedure lasts 1-1, 5 hours.
A good effect in the fight against pain gives a bow, which can be applied overnight on the lower back and wrap it with a warm cloth, after grinding it in the blender. You must dissolve the mustard powder in water until a mass of homogeneous consistency is created and apply it on the back for 5 minutes. Folk healers say that after removing such a compress, you will definitely feel better.
Friction
Rapid elimination of pain is facilitated by a method such as rubbing, which can not only increase blood flow to the affected area, but also improve metabolic processes. It is best to perform this procedure before going to bed with the help of the following tools:
- warm honey;
- a mixture of iodine, valerian, triple cologne, and crushed red pepper;
- alcoholic tincture of eucalyptus, adam or burdock root.
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 should be put in a thermos for an hour, then drain and mix with 5 grams of baking soda. With the help of a medicine, daily rubbing should be done before going to bed for a few days.
Infusions for internal use
It is possible to cope with the pathology with the help of tools that are intended for internal use. At home, you can use the following recipes for back pain:
- It is necessary to grind the root of the foam and pour a mass of 500 ml of vodka. The resulting mixture should be left to inject 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 painkiller should be cooled and a little soda added. The resulting mixture should be taken orally several times daily;
- 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 medication 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 roots. The resulting mixture is placed in a three-liter jar, add a little water and put a perforated rubber handle on the neck. After 30 days, place the container in the refrigerator and drink ½ cup in the morning and before bedtime.
Preventive measures
Home pain therapy is allowed to be performed both in the chronic course of the pathology and to facilitate 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 back muscles and the lumbar area. Simultaneously with continuous treatment, it is necessary to strengthen the muscles of the peritoneum, as well as to exercise regularly in the pool and pump the pressure.
Women should refrain from wearing high-heeled shoes and platforms, which will reduce the load on the back and lower back. It is necessary to sleep on a firm orthopedic mattress, because such a measure helps in complete relaxation of the spine and avoid pathologies of the spine.