Diagnosis

At the beginning of every diagnosis of back pain in the lumbar spine region is the individual anamnesis (medical history) of a patient. The goal of this detective work of the physician is to get an overview of the current complaints. Targeted questions about: are absolutely necessary.

No less important are questions about previous illnesses. In our case, the treating physician should ask about concomitant diseases such as osteoporosis (bone loss) or arthrosis (wear and tear of joints). Furthermore, social circumstances such as job, partnership, family and stressful situations are also searched for.

This thorough “interview” is followed by a physical examination, which can provide initial information. From the outside, for example: Additionally: checked. Should these measures not reveal the exact cause of the back pain, additional technical methods such as: are available.

Localization and maybe radiating the pain to other areas, such as the legs
Quality and intensity of the complaints and their timing and
Possible increase or decrease of pain due to certain circumstances
The position of the pelvis and shoulders
Curvatures of the spine as well as the entire body posture.
Muscle strength
Reflexes
Sensations of touch (sensitivity) and
The mobility of the joints, especially the spine
X-ray images
MRT (magnetic resonance imaging, nuclear spin)
CT (computer tomography) and in special cases
Myelography (special form of x-ray imaging in which a contrast medium is injected into the spinal canal)

Therapy

What to do if your back hurts, muscles are tense and mobility is severely restricted in everyday life? In principle, every therapy of the lumbar spine is based on the cause of the suffering. So if an organic cause is found, it should be treated first and foremost.

Back pain is often caused by imbalances in the musculature in the trunk area. In many patients, however, back pain occurs in episodes and requires quick and targeted action. A targeted diagnosis of these imbalances with subsequent training of the trunk muscles helps in most cases to get back pain under control.

The following methods are available to each individual: Heat relieves acute pain in many cases. Heat applications have proven to be particularly effective for muscle tension. Here the spectrum ranges from: Painkillers can provide acute relief for stress-related back pain, but they do not eliminate the actual cause of the back pain.

However, painkillers are a first choice and alternative if an operation is not absolutely necessary. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are mainly used.They relieve acute pain and inhibit inflammation. This can be particularly helpful if the pain causes relieving postures and thus muscle tension.

The pain relief provides a more or less normal posture and mobility, possible inflammations heal and the patient quickly experiences freedom from pain. In the case of chronic back pain in the lumbar spine, however, other methods such as acupuncture or behavioral therapy have proven effective. A permanent administration of painkillers can require an ever increasing dose as the body gets used to it, and thus quickly end up in dependence.

It is interesting to follow studies on the treatment of chronic back pain of the lumbar spine with acupuncture. These studies seem to show a significantly higher therapeutic success compared to conventional therapy with painkillers and accompanying physiotherapy in a shorter treatment time. Nevertheless, physiotherapy/physical gymnastics or back school in particular is the method of choice for targeted muscle build-up in the back area and for relieving tension.

Everyday movements, back-friendly lifting, standing, walking and sitting are trained. Experts recommend particularly sporty activities and lots of exercise that do not strain the back. Swimming, especially crawling and long walks are very suitable.

Surgery is performed only in very rare cases. A frequent indication is severe herniated disc of the lumbar spine. In addition to the major open operations, procedures are also used that allow a smaller intervention (so-called minimally invasive procedures) – especially in less severe cases.

Examples of minimally invasive procedures are chemical dissolution of the intervertebral disc by enzymes (chemonucleolysis), vaporization of parts of the disc by laser and spinal surgery by endoscopy (using a tubular system in which a camera is installed (endoscope), the doctor can see cavities of the body and treat disorders).

Heat applications (especially for light back pain)
Drugs
Acupuncture
Massage
Relaxation techniques and sports
Behavioural Therapies
Operations
Baths
Envelopes
Heat packs
Plasters up to
Sauna visits

There are many exercises that can help with back pain of the lumbar spine. They mainly serve to stretch and strengthen the muscles in the back, which ensures a better posture and thus relieves the painful back.

At the beginning it is recommended to improve the perception and fixation of the lumbar spine in the body. To do this, it is best to lie down on a mat, bend your legs and lay your arms relaxed next to your body. Now the tips of your feet are pulled upwards, the heels and the lower back press into the mat.

To strengthen the back muscles there are some exercises in the prone position. In this position, for example, the arms and legs can be lifted slightly off the floor. This position is then held for a while, swimming movements can also be done.

It is important to make sure that this does not result in a hollow back. To strengthen the muscles in the lumbar spine area, you can also do an exercise that starts with the quadruped position. Now the right arm and left leg are stretched out alternately and then the left arm and right leg.

You should try to form a horizontal line with arm and leg. This exercise also improves balance and thus ensures a better posture of the entire back. Often it can help with back pain in the lumbar region when Kinesiotape is applied.

This can relieve the vertebrae and in many cases the pain is reduced. However, if it is a serious injury, such as a herniated disc, Kinesiotape is not sufficient. If there is any uncertainty about the origin of the pain, a doctor should therefore be consulted.

There are several variants for taping in the lumbar spine area, the most common being the star shape or a Y-stripe. For back pain in the lumbar spine, home remedies are often sufficient to relieve muscle tension, for example. A very popular remedy are heat cushions or hot-water bottles, which provide local relaxation of the structures.

In some cases, cold cushions or ice can also help to numb the pain. Also oils, e.g.B. St. John’s wort oil or oils mixed with ointments, such as arnica or devil’s claw, can be rubbed into the affected areas.

Alternatively, cloths can be soaked in the oils and then worn overnight as wraps. Many people who suffer from back pain in the lumbar spine report that acupuncture has led to an alleviation of their complaints. The idea of acupuncture is based on the targeted treatment of so-called trigger points. These trigger points are junctions of different nerves running there and are often the places where the pain is greatest. This form of therapy can therefore help to reduce the pain.