How to Treat Lumbago or Lower Back Pain

How to Treat Lumbago or Lower Back Pain

Pain in the lower back, known as lumbago can considerably impact our daily routine, limiting our physical activity and rest. If you suffer frequently from lumbago it is important to visit a doctor to determine the cause of this constant pain. In addition to medical treatment, there are some natural remedies and steps you can implement to reduce discomfort and improve your condition. In OneHowTo we explain how to treat lumbago or lower back pain.

Steps to follow:
1

The lumbar region is the area of the spine that carries the most weight, so when we gain a lot of weight, perform frequent activities carrying heavy objects or during pregnancy, lumbago tends to appear, causing great discomfort.

It is possible that after physical activity loading heavy objects you feel pain in the lumbar area. However the causes of back pain are numerous and can be derived from such diverse conditions as slipped disc, sciatica, muscle spasms, arthritic problems and some condition in the female reproductive organs, among others. Therefore when the discomfort goes on for over two weeks it is important to consult a doctor. If the pain is so intense that it prevents movement, it is important to consult a specialist.

2

To treat lumbago or lower back pain effectively it is important to act quickly. From the moment the pain begins until three days later it is important apply cold to the area. Frozen gel packs or ice bag covered by a cloth will be of great help.

Apply to the lower back for 15 minutes 3 times a day, the cold will help reduce inflammation and pain, improving your condition.

3

After 3 days, if the lumbago continues then it is advisable to apply hot compresses. You can follow the same directions, using them 3 times a day for 15 minutes. The heat will help comfort the area, significantly improving the discomfort.

4

During the first 2 or 3 days from when the pain starts it is advisable to not perform physical activity. Lifting heavy objects, including weights for exercise, should be limited as much as possible, otherwise the discomfort could increase significantly.

However, once the first 3 days have elapsed it is advisable to conduct aerobic physical activity to improve the pain. Walking, static bicycle or swimming can be a benefit to patients with lumbago as this promotes blood flow to the lower back while strengthening the muscles in this area and not straining the back. Performing light exercise can also help prevent lumbago from coming back in the future.

You should also try to perform some back stretching exercises. This will ease the tension in the back and leave it feeling much better.

5

Take analgesics which are sold over the counter, such as ibuprofen, as these can be of great help to relieve lumbago as they reduce inflammation and improve the patient's condition. You can talk to your pharmacist about the best alternative to reduce the discomfort caused by lower back pain.

6

Bed time is very important when you have lumbago, as if you do not get adequately comfortable the rest will be limited. It is advisable to sleep in the foetal position with a pillow between your legs, which will ease the weight in the area. Sleeping on your back is not recommended, but if so, place a rolled towel under your knees to reduce the load on the lower back.

In our article how to sleep with lumbago we explain in detail the correct way to rest if you suffer from this condition.

7

Some natural solutions such as ginger or horsetail can help relieve back pain by reducing inflammation in the area and minimize symptoms. In our article how to treat lower back pain with home remedies you will find several handy solutions.

8

During the day, to continue with your daily business, you can use semi-rigid back support belts, which keep your spine in a better position, prevent straining and avoid associated pain. You should also adapt your posture to your job, the so-called ergonomics.

9

Kinesitherapy is to practice flexibility exercises in the spine which will alleviate back pain. Do so alongside muscular strengthening in the area and posture correction. This type of exercise practiced assiduously will improve your back pain considerably. You can also perform these exercises in water, the so-called hydrokinesitherapy -,which is very beneficial to correct the spine. You can add sessions in which you're taught ways of placing the spine to protect against lower back pain. You could incorporate this into your daily routine as soon as possible, whilst preventing new periods of pain.

10

To treat lumbago and reduce the pain, it is important to reduce stress and anxiety. Stress can be a major contributor to all sorts of back pain as well as other illnesses. If you are often stressed, it is crucial that you take steps to eliminate stress from your daily life. Doing so will dramatically improve your health.

11

There are some cases of lumbago where it is advisable to seek medical advice immediately. So do not hesitate to contact a specialist if you have:

  • Swelling and redness of the lower back.
  • Lower back pain that occurs after a fall or blow.
  • Pain or numbness in the legs, knees, buttocks or pelvis.
  • If back pain is accompanied by bloody urine or loss of the ability to control the sphincters.
  • Fever
  • Pain that feels more intense at bedtime.
  • If the pain lasts more than two weeks.
  • Patients with a history of cancer or who have recently lost significant weight need to see a specialist.

This article is merely informative, oneHOWTO does not have the authority to prescribe any medical treatments or create a diagnosis. We invite you to visit your doctor if you have any type of condition or pain.

If you want to read similar articles to How to Treat Lumbago or Lower Back Pain, we recommend you visit our Diseases & secondary effects category.