What is lower back pain

Lower back pain may be caused by lumbar muscle strain, lumbar disc herniation, kidney stones, osteoporosis, invasion of cold and dampness, etc. It can be relieved through hot compress massage, medication treatment, surgical intervention, dispelling dampness and dispelling cold, supplementing calcium and strengthening bones, and other methods. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly to identify the cause and avoid delaying treatment.

1. Lumbar muscle strain

Long term poor posture or excessive fatigue can cause sustained tension in the lumbar muscles, leading to aseptic inflammation. It manifests as soreness, swelling, and dull pain in the waist, which worsens after fatigue and can be relieved by rest. In the acute stage, diclofenac sodium gel can be applied externally in combination with infrared physiotherapy. During the chronic phase, it is recommended to practice the "Two Hand Climbing Foot Strengthening Kidney and Waist" movement in the Eight Section Brocade to strengthen the lower back muscles.

2. Lumbar disc herniation

The rupture of the fibrous ring of the intervertebral disc causes the nucleus pulposus to protrude and compress the nerve roots, which is common in long-term bending workers. The typical symptoms are lower back pain accompanied by radiating pain in the lower limbs, which worsens with coughing. Follow the doctor's advice to use Yaotongning capsules in combination with traction therapy. For severe cases, minimally invasive surgery with intervertebral foramen endoscopy is required. During the acute phase, one should lie on a hard bed and avoid prolonged sitting and standing.

3. Kidney stones

Crystal deposition in the urinary system forms stones, which stimulate the ureter and cause colic when moving. Pain often occurs suddenly, radiating from the waist and ribs to the perineum, and may be accompanied by hematuria. Can be taken with stone expelling granules to promote the expulsion of stones, combined with Jin Qian Cao tea drinks. Emergency extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy is required when the pain is severe.

4. Osteoporosis

Decreased bone mass reduces the weight-bearing capacity of the vertebral body, and slight external force can lead to compression fractures. Commonly seen in postmenopausal women, it manifests as chronic dull pain accompanied by shortened height. Long term use of alendronate sodium tablets to inhibit bone resorption, combined with Xianling Gubao capsules to tonify the kidneys and strengthen bones. Daily exposure to sunlight should be increased, and vitamin D should be supplemented in moderation.

5. Cold and dampness invasion

After living in a humid environment for a long time or catching a cold in the waist, cold and dampness evil qi can block the circulation of meridians, qi, and blood. Pain worsens when exposed to cold, reduces when exposed to heat, and is often accompanied by a feeling of heaviness. You can use moxa sticks to moxibustion acupoints such as Mingmen and Shenshu, or choose Qianghuo Shengshi Tang with modifications for oral administration. It is recommended to wear waist protection on rainy days, and soak your feet in Sichuan pepper water before going to bed to dispel dampness.

It is important to maintain a correct sitting posture in daily life, avoid one-sided weight-bearing, and choose a mattress with moderate hardness for sleep. During the acute pain period, you can try frying coarse salt and putting it into a cloth bag to apply heat to the painful area, combined with gentle palm massage. It is recommended to swim or walk backwards three times a week to enhance the strength of the lower back muscles. Dietary remedies such as Eucommia ulmoides pork loin soup, walnut and black bean Congee can be eaten in moderation, and raw, cold and cold things should be avoided. If the pain persists for more than two weeks or symptoms such as numbness in the lower limbs and difficulty urinating occur, immediate medical attention should be sought to investigate severe lesions.