Few people know what to do if the lower back pain is severe, and how to treat the problem area at home. Most people refuse to see a doctor because of expensive medical services, while others prefer traditional and effective methods.
Self-medication is possible, provided that the diagnosis is reliable. Temporary relief of acute symptoms does not solve the problem, and the long-term development of the disease will trigger a transition to a chronic form. It is recommended to consult experts who can provide practical advice on this topic.
Causes of low back pain
Chronic diseases and accidents can cause lower back pain. In women, similar problems are complications of gynecological diseases (fibroids, adnexitis, malignant tumors). In men, low back pain mainly occurs in the context of difficult working conditions and heavy lifting.
The most common reasons for this problem are:
- Obesity stages 2 and 3;
- Excessive sitting
- Overload during sports activities;
- Lift weights and carry heavy objects;
- Osteochondrosis, osteochondrosis, kyphosis;
- Unstable psychological and emotional state;
- The effect of airflow, hypothermia.
It is very important to determine the cause of the pain because it is forbidden to start treatment without an accurate diagnosis. Temporary relief of symptoms will not bring the expected results, because the underlying cause will not be treated.
Even if symptomatic treatment is helpful, low back pain will continue to recur.
When to see an expert
If the nature of the discomfort does not change, the local area of the lesion is not enlarged, and there is no additional manifestation, you can self-treat at home.
In some cases, self-medication cannot be administered, but expert intervention is required. A few examples:
- Sharp increase in pain;
- The local area of the lesion began to expand or shift;
- The lower limbs are not sensitive.
Low toe mobility may damage the spine. Immediate expert intervention is required.
Family therapy
A large number of medicinal products can be used to treat low back pain. Provide patients with analgesics, various gels and ointments, and suppositories. However, it is impossible to buy medicines by yourself, and the wrong choice can lead to increased symptoms.
A preliminary consultation with a traumatologist or therapist is required. Medicines can only be prescribed if they are submitted by a professional. Some powerful medicines can only be dispensed in pharmacies by prescription, you cannot buy them yourself.
The duration of treatment is 1 to 6 months, depending on the area of the lesion, the intensity of the pain manifestation, and the frequency of uncomfortable symptoms. The treatment process must be completed, otherwise the pain will recur in a short time.
Ointments and gels
For back pain, ointments or gels are always prescribed regardless of the underlying cause. These agents act locally, suppress discomfort and promote exercise.
The advantage of this method is that the number of side effects and contraindications is minimal, and it is easy to use.
When using ointments, some rules must be followed:
- Mandatory compliance with instructions for use;
- You need to squeeze a little medicine on your hands, start rubbing to the waist, and apply ointment once a day, preferably before going to bed;
- If side effects occur, the drug needs to be stopped.
There are different groups of low back pain ointments:
- Cartilage protective agent. They help strengthen articular cartilage and inhibit the inflammatory response in it.
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory ointment. They are used for any inflammatory response to restore the activity of the musculoskeletal system. Please read the contraindications before use.
- painkiller. They are mainly used for acute forms of pain to help relieve the transfer of severe symptoms.
There is also a group of ointments that combine all the above characteristics.
Oral and injection medications
Oral drugs or injections have similar effects to ointments, but have greater side effects and many contraindications. Before starting the treatment course, you should read the instructions carefully.
According to the nature and duration of the pain, the following groups are selected for the patient:
- Anti-inflammatory drugs. They perfectly relieve pain and help inhibit the inflammatory process in the lower back. You can only apply after obtaining permission from an expert.
- Muscle relaxants. This group of drugs helps relieve muscle tension, relieve cramps and suppress pain performance. It is worth noting that when muscle relaxants are used, drowsiness or increased blood pressure can occur.
- Corticosteroids. Hormonal drugs inhibit inflammation and have analgesic effects.
- Narcotic analgesics. In the case of uncontrolled pain syndrome or surgical intervention, a prescription is exclusively prescribed by the attending doctor.
- Vitamin B. Promote the normalization of blood circulation, oxygen saturation, and restore metabolic processes.
notes:Most drugs have a strong therapeutic effect, and the instructions for use must be read before use.
Rectal suppositories
These drugs are confidently promoted in the pharmaceutical industry and actively used to treat severe back pain for the following reasons:
- It dissolves quickly, and the smearing effect can be felt in 10-15 minutes;
- No harmful effects on the gastrointestinal tract;
- Minimal side effects.
repair
If there is pain in the lower back due to the pathology of the musculoskeletal system, how to treat it with plaster at home? Very simple.
The treatment board can prevent pain, reduce inflammation, and warm the affected area, thereby alleviating the patient's condition. Each patch has a unique effect, and you need to choose the correct remedy to achieve the effect.
Physical exercise
Therapeutic exercise is extremely effective for lumbar lesions. It allows you to:
- Develop back muscles;
- Restore the distance between the vertebrae and release the compressed nerves;
- Improve blood circulation;
- Suppress pain.
notes:Remedial gymnastics is not available for all patient groups; there is a strict list of contraindications. A suitable set of exercises can only be selected by the therapist.
Examples of popular and useful exercises:
- "Cat". The patient needs to lie on all fours and bend the spine, and then bend in the opposite direction. Repeat the exercise 3-4 times, and the standing posture lasts for 5-7 seconds.
- distortion. The person must adopt a horizontal posture on a hard, flat surface. Bend your knees and start turning your legs to the right and your body to the left. Do it 5-6 times, then switch sides.
You need to do gymnastics by yourself every day and follow the doctor's advice. If there are negative symptoms (headache, vomiting, spatial disorientation), exercise must be stopped urgently.
massage
Therapeutic massage is most effective for spinal diseases. It is best to perform this procedure under the supervision of an expert. Independent actions may lead to many consequences due to incorrect actions.
The following people are not allowed to massage:
- People with malignant tumors;
- Patients with active tuberculosis;
- Women who are pregnant for any three months;
- People with high blood pressure or arrhythmia;
- Patients with skin injuries.
When performing a massage on your own without the services of an experienced expert, you must first obtain a list of rules for the correct procedure from your doctor.
Paraffin therapy
Paraffin wax can well remove severe pain syndrome. This procedure improves blood circulation in the lymphatic and soft tissues of the affected area. The melted paraffin heats the entire lower back, and the application effect can last for several hours.
It is problematic to carry out such procedures yourself, and it is recommended to use the services of experienced experts.
Traditional medicine
Traditional medical methods have repeatedly proven their effectiveness, and sometimes they help where medicines fail. However, it is not worth it to abuse these methods without medical advice, otherwise it will cause irreparable damage to the musculoskeletal system.
The most common methods are:
- compression.The operation must be performed only at night so that the patient can relax physically and mentally. The gauze fabric must be impregnated with a prefabricated composition (only medicinal materials) and applied to the painful area. Spend at least one hour in this state. As the ingredients of the mixture, you can use radish and horseradish, salt, honey, garlic, and mustard.
- wipe.It is only performed at night, and the body should be in a relaxed state. For rubbing, use alcohol tinctures from beaver creek, dandelion root, eucalyptus, red pepper, etc. The product must be thoroughly rubbed into the affected area, and then the lower back should be wrapped in a warm fabric or blanket. You need to spend at least an hour in this state.
- Warm bath.Not only can relax the affected area, but also relax the entire body. The use of medicinal materials (mint, mustard powder) can enhance the effect of this process. It is necessary to stay in the water until it starts to cool.
There are other methods in traditional medicine, but the above method is the simplest and does not require a lot of cash costs and theoretical knowledge.
How to provide first aid? How to treat low back pain at home?
Pain in the lower back does not always appear gradually. Osteochondrosis and other lesions of the spine may occur suddenly, accompanied by severe pain. Light load, cold air or heavy lifting-all of these can cause similar problems.
The acute pain must be stopped urgently. These manifestations can be so strong that a person loses consciousness. Before providing help, it is necessary to regain consciousness with ammonia.
The victim should be placed horizontally on a hard, flat surface. Pillows are forbidden, and the spine must be in a straight position. The supine state will reduce the load on the intervertebral disc, and the cramps and pain will partly disappear.
If you have topical ointments and gels at home, you can treat the affected area. It is hoped that the funds have anti-inflammatory or analgesic effects, and such drugs can quickly relieve the symptoms of discomfort. After applying the ointment, you must leave the victim alone for 30-40 minutes.
If the medicine is effective, you need to lower the waist with Umbra for strict fixation. For persistent acute pain, anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs can be given to patients, preferably effective. The pills will take effect in 30-50 minutes, depending on the intensity of the pain.
important:Pain killers and anti-inflammatory drugs cannot be abused. In emergency situations, the maximum daily dose is allowed, but no more.
Because of the constant pain, you must call an ambulance even after following all the above suggestions.
Prevent back pain
After finding out the cause of low back pain, it is necessary to learn how to treat it at home and learn prevention plans. Special corrective measures are useful after the treatment process and for preventive purposes to prevent the development of lower back problems.
Helpful hints:
- Change your diet. Try to exclude junk food and fatty food from the menu, and minimize the consumption of such dishes. The diet should be based on fortified and healthy foods, which will fill the body with the necessary trace elements.
- Weight control. The second and third stages of obesity put a huge load on not only the internal organs but also the spine. Under the influence of overweight, the intervertebral disc is displaced and deformed, causing damage to the cartilage.
- More activities. For a sedentary lifestyle (for example, due to working in an office), you need to warm up and take a walk every day.
- Reduce the pressure on the spine. It is not recommended to lift and carry weights without good reason. Even a slight 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 product of ethanol has a negative impact on the condition of cartilage and joints.