Treatments For Low Back Pain

Low back pain refers to localized pain in the lower back. According to the American Chiropractic Association , about 80% of Americans will have it at least once in their lives. What are the treatments for low back pain?

Although therapies to reduce pain vary according to the patient’s history and the possible cause, in general there are some strategies to control it. This time we want to review the most relevant aspects of this ailment and how to manage it.

What is low back pain?

Low back pain or lumbago is a term used to define pain in the lower back. This, in turn, is linked to certain conditions that compromise the lumbar vertebrae and the soft tissue structures that are around them.

It can affect young people as well as adults and the elderly; Likewise, it is frequent both in sedentary people and in those whose jobs involve some physical effort. Symptoms can be mild, but sometimes they last for several weeks.

Causes of low back pain

To choose treatments for low back pain, its origin must be determined in advance. Therefore, before knowing the therapeutic measures, it is essential to know the associated factors. The pain of low back pain appears by a neurological mechanism in which the nerves that transmit pain are activated.

Due to this process, muscle contracture and inflammation are triggered. Also, it can sometimes lead to nerve root compression. In most cases, this is related to overuse of a muscle or injury. However, it can also originate from:

• Degeneration of the intervertebral joint or arthritic diseases
• Trauma or fractures
• Herniated disc
• Infections involving the spine
• Spinal stenosis
• Scoliosis or kyphosis
• Strained or torn muscles and ligaments
• Pregnancy
• Overweight
• Chronic diseases like cancer

Symptoms of low back pain

The most common symptom of low back pain is local pain in the lower back. This, in turn, can radiate to nearby parts. Also, muscle spasms, swelling, and spasms may be experienced. If the condition worsens, other manifestations may be:

• Sensitivity disorders (hypoanesthesia, tingling, among others)
• Movement difficulties, such as paralysis
• Weakening of the legs
• Sudden bowel or bladder incontinence
• Abdominal pain

Treatments for low back pain

To determine which are the most relevant treatments for low back pain, the doctor makes a previous diagnosis. First, it is based on the physical examination and medical history of the patient. Then, if necessary, he may suggest radiological, analytical or functional tests.

Since most cases have a mild cause, treatment is usually based on lifestyle changes. However, when symptoms are severe or persistent, the professional suggests some medications and interventions.

Low Back Pain Treatments: General Tips

Among the treatments for low back pain, a series of general recommendations are included in order to minimize the disease and avoid complications. Its application is essential, since recovery depends to a great extent on these. We review them below:

• Rest initially, but not for long. Staying at rest can delay recovery. So even though it’s calming, it’s important to be active.

• Moderate, low-impact physical activity can help relieve pain. Thus, patients should be as active as possible (without overdoing it, of course).
• Take care of postural hygiene and do not overload your back.
• Do exercises to strengthen your back muscles. These should be smooth and your practice should be done gradually.
• Control overweight and obesity with healthy habits.
• Apply heat and cold therapy to decrease pain and inflammation.

Pharmacotherapy

At first, if the pain is moderate and only affects the lower back, the consumption of analgesic medications is recommended. If these are not effective and the pain persists, the professional may prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

When the above is not enough to reduce pain, the possibility of including a short course of muscle relaxants for about a week is considered.

Other treatments for low back pain

Depending on its cause, treatments for low back pain may include more careful interventions. These include:

• Neuroreflexotherapy intervention (NRT)
• Physiotherapy and exercise sessions
• Surgery (for example in the case of a herniated disc or spinal stenosis).

Surgery for low back pain

It is important to make a special section for surgery for low back pain, as it is applied in the most severe cases when there is no response to other treatments.

Also, the doctor considers it an option when the cause of low back pain compromises important functions of the body, such as a loss of bowel or bladder control or progressive neurological loss. The options include:

• A discectomy.
• A foraminotomy.
• Intradiscal electrothermal therapy (IDET).
• A nucleoplasty.
• A spinal laminectomy.

There are some natural remedies that also complement low back pain treatments. These include the application of massages with essential oils and some infusions. However, it is recommended to consult your doctor before using them.