Ashley Grace
Lumbago is a painful condition, where the patient experiences severe chronic pain in muscles and joints of the lower back, also referred to as the lumbar region. The condition is usually caused due to improper lifting, poor posture, and lack of exercise. But there can be other reasons also such as a fracture or a ruptured disk after having met with an accident.
In most cases, lumbar pain is relieved within two to four weeks. But, in some cases, there may be additional treatments required. If you’ve been suffering from lumbago for more than four weeks, then you should try some of the below-mentioned therapeutic treatments. But before we proceed with the treatments, it is advised to consult your doctor for a better understanding of your condition.
Acupuncture Therapy
Evidence suggests that this practice evolved in China about 2500 years ago. The principle is to stimulate certain points on the body to correct the flow of energy in the body. According to traditional Chinese medicine, it is believed that these points are connected to create a pathway for the flow of energy, known as “Qi” (Chee).
A review of various studies suggested that acupuncture provided short-term relief from chronic back pain. The practice involves the insertion of thin needles at certain points on the body. It is believed that there are more than 2000 of such points on the body.
There are numerous theories that support the effectiveness of acupuncture in curing lower back pain. But, there’s one thing common in all of the theories. They all suggest that the therapy stimulates the central nervous system to change or alter brain chemistry. For example, one of the theories suggests that acupuncture speeds up the relay of electromagnetic signals, which may begin the flow of endorphins and opioids in the brain. These chemicals are responsible for the dampening of pain sensitivity and promoting sleep.
Stretching
There are certain exercises, recommended by doctors and chief medical practitioners, that not only can cure but also prevent back pains. For example, rotational stretching of the lower back can help relieve tension in the lower back muscles and also improve stability.
Researchers suggest that light stretching of the back muscles can reduce strain in the muscles while supporting strong joints and ligaments. There are many such exercises that you can practice at home. For example bridging, leg lifts, pelvic tilts, and many more.
It is noteworthy that before you actually practice any such stretching exercise, you should consult with your doctor or physical trainer. Certain exercises can do more harm than good, depending upon the reason for lumbar pain. For example, a leading chiropractic website suggests that in the case of a slipped disc, rotational stretches may further escalate the severity of the pain. Therefore, having consulted with your doctor would be a wise decision, before indulging in any physical workout.
Joint Manipulation
A study published by Harvard Medical School suggests that spinal manipulation can lead to small but measurable results for acute back pain. Another analysis involving 1700 patients compared and found that spinal manipulation can bring about a similar, and in some cases, better results as that with traditional medications and other physical therapies. The analysis was published in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Joint manipulation involves different types of massages and physical therapies to move the joints in the spinal region. It is designed to help improve the movement, reduce inflammation, and also improve nerve function.
During joint manipulation, the vertebrates in the lower back region are mobilized to relieve muscle pressure.
Massage & Physical Therapy
Last but not least, people who have been suffering from chronic back pains can benefit from massage. It’s easy, effective, and does not require high-level expertise to deliver. You can seek help from a friend, or a family member to deliver you soothing massage around the affected area.
Having said that, it is still recommended to consult a professional physical therapist before having anyone to massage your lower back. According to research people who have had a therapeutic massage from professionals experience longer-lasting relief from inflammation as compared to the ones who prefer to have it on their own.
The practice involves applying pressure to the muscles, in a gentle circular motion. Massage oil may or may not be used, in certain cases. The sole purpose is to help the muscles relax and relieve stress in the joints. People who have had a massage and physical therapy claim a significant reduction in pain and inflammation, right from the first session.
In the end, it’s up to you whether you opt to go for a holistic massage session or acupuncture therapy, or any of the above-mentioned treatments. However, it is best that you consult with a professional first. Since, these treatments, if conducted wrongfully can leave you in more pain than before.
