Therapy of lumbago
The most important and urgent therapeutic goal for patients who are currently suffering from acute lumbago is always first and foremost the relief of pain. In addition to the well-known painkillers such as paracetamol or non-steroidal anti-rheumatic drugs (NSRIs), taking certain postures can also help many affected persons in the event of an acute lumbago. For many lumbago sufferers, the so-called embryonic posture is pleasant: lying on your back or side, pulling your legs close to your body, rounds your back to a maximum and can contribute to relaxation.
However, as soon as it should be possible, the most important thing is movement! Walking is far more back-friendly than standing or lying down and often relieves the remaining pain. In addition, the muscles of the back should be loosened and in the best case thoroughly stretched.
Relaxation and relief from pain are therefore certainly appropriate to a certain extent. However, in almost all cases it is not possible to avoid any movement completely. The aim should be to be able to carry out all activities as before, only in a back-friendly manner, as quickly as possible.
Often these tips and measures, often in combination with local heat applications, are sufficient to achieve a quick improvement. However, if this is not the case after a few days, it is time to consult a doctor. After a more precise diagnosis, further therapy options may arise: In addition to manual therapy (chirotherapy) or active physiotherapy plus accompanying massages, more invasive methods are also available for long-term, constant back pain, the benefits and risks of which should be carefully weighed up.
If a patient is very painful and has no prospect of improvement, a full-grown herniated disc can often be detected after a supposed lumbago, which as an independent clinical picture requires special therapy (often an operation!). Also the so-called injection therapy with a cortisone injection is in a broader sense one of the invasive therapy measures suggested by some doctors.
