Back Pain Lumbago Sciatica

Hypericum perforatum
This honeopathic remedy relieves lower back pain with sharp throbbing pain.

Ruta graveolens
This is used to relieve lower back pain caused or worsened by staying immobile.

 Causes
Umbago is often provoked by banal causes, i. E. A muscular or ligaments’ sprain, that may occur after a bad movement (as a fall), or after having lifted heavy weights or having done an exaggerated physical effort.
Obviously inadequate training, a wrong posture, overweight together with many other factors can help the happening of the problem.Other causes source from the spine itself: lumbago may descend from an arthritis of the spine (spondylosis) degenerative arthritis of the spinal vertebrae and related tissue; on the vertebral surface they may form the so called osteophytes (bony projections) that sometimes impinge on nerves causing pain.

Spine arthritis often shows up together with a problem of the intra vertebral discs that tend to become more thin. This causes the vertebrae to come closer with a consequent reduction of the space left for the nerve roots.The result is an irritation of the nerve structures that causes a lumbar sciatica. Another possible cause of compression of the nerve’s root is spinal disc herniation, main factor of sciatica.

Lumbar sciatica may also be caused by a narrowing (stenosis) of the vertebral canal inside which is contained the spinal marrow. Some persons are simply born with a more narrow canal than normal, while in some other cases stenosis can appear later, in example caused by an arthritis.There can also be an alteration of the spine, when a displacement of a vertebra in relation to the vertebrae below occurs (spondylolisthesis).

Symptoms

Almost everyone knows what is back pain. Lumbago is one of the most frequent problems: it is the second cause of medical visits after influenza and it has been estimated that 4 on 5 people suffer from it sooner or later in life.The spine is made by vertebras, separated by intra vertebral discs that act as shock absorbers, and its stability is assured by a group of ligaments and muscles.Inside the spine it is located the spinal marrow from which the nerves source and, coming out from spaces between a vertebra and another, they reach different parts of the body.The lumbar section of the spine, composed by 5 vertebras, is involved in almost every movement: it is fundamental to hold the back straight, to allow the torso rotation and its flexion. The back sustains most of the body weight and efforts and if its functions are compromised this can be strongly invalidating.The main symptom of lumbago is obviously pain that can locate in a specific area of the back.

The main symptom of lumbago is obviously pain that can locate in a specific area of the back.

It is often provoked by a muscle or ligaments sprain and it usually shows up together with a trauma, also called back strain.
Pain can be continuous and can sometimes ease by changing posture or practicing a light physical activity.
It is recommended not to practice heavy physical activity because it causes the symptoms to increase. When pain is provoked by a compression of one of the nerves' roots that come out from the lumbar spine, it tends to irradiate to the area reached by the entire nerve.So, if speaking of the lumbar spine, pain reaches the lower limb on the interested side of the body. In these cases the result is lumbar sciatica.
Ache may be felt after making an effort but also spontaneously and tends to be continuous and characterized by peaks of pain.

Prevention

Improving the physical conditions and following some simple rules can help preventing back ache: it is important to do aerobic physical activity periodically (i. E. Swimming or walking).In fact, training helps to strengthen the back and its resistance. Moreover it is important to hold in check the body weight, losing weight if necessary and doing reinforcement and stretching exercises focused on the abdomen, buttocks and back muscles.

Here are some suggestions that can turn useful in daily life.

• When standing: if forced to spend a long time standing it is important to shift weight support from a leg to the other.
• When sitting: it is recommended to use a chair suitable for the lumbar area;
• The chair seat must allow to keep knees folded and feet well laid on the ground.
• When lifting a weight. Knowing how to lift a weight in the correct way it is really useful to prevent low back pain: it is important to avoid using the back while doing it. Legs must be folded so that arms are at the same level of the object that needs to be lifted ; the object must be kept near the body. Moreover, it is better to avoid putting weights over the head.
• When sleeping: in general the advice is to sleep on a hard mattress, even if recent studies recommended medium-hard ones. Avoid pillows which are too thick because they force the neck to bend excessively.

Self healing

• It is important to avoid too long periods in bed: a light physical activity helps the recovery, obviously avoiding those movements that increase pain.
• If lumbago is caused by an acute trauma it can be useful to initially apply ice. The latter can be applied for 15 minutes several times a day. Once spasm and acute pain are gone, heat can be applied.
• With regard to body belt and corset, opinions are sometimes discordant therefore it is necessary a suggestion of an orthopedic specialist. In fact, even if they help keeping warmth on the damaged area, they tend to weaken the back muscle in the long term. For this reason it is better to do some exercises in order to reinforce the musculature.

Homoeopathic remedies
 

Aesculus
Pain in the very low back (the sacral or sacroiliac areas) that feels worse when standing up from a sitting position, and worse from stooping, may be eased with this remedy. Aesculus is especially indicated for people with low back pain who also have a tendency toward venous congestion and hemorrhoids.

Arnica montana
This remedy relieves lower back aches and stiffness from overexertion or minor trauma.

Bryonia
This remedy is indicated when back pain is worse from even the slightest motion. Changing position, coughing, turning, or walking may bring on sharp, excruciating pain. This remedy can be helpful for back pain after injury and backaches during illness.

Calcarea carbonica
This is often useful for low back pain and muscle weakness, especially in a person who is chilly, flabby or overweight, and easily tired by exertion. Chronic low back pain and muscle weakness may lead to inflammation and soreness that are aggravated by dampness and cold.

Calcarea phosphorica
Stiffness and soreness of the spinal muscles and joints, especially in the neck and upper back, may be relieved by this remedy. The person feels worse from drafts and cold, as well as from exertion. Aching in the bones and feelings of weariness and dissatisfaction are often seen in people who need this remedy.

Natrum muriaticum
Back pain that improves from lying on something hard or pressing a hard object (such as a block or book) against the painful area suggests a need for this remedy. The person often seems reserved or formal, but has strong emotions that are kept from others. Back pain from suppressed emotions, especially hurt or anger, may respond to natrum muriaticum.

Nux vomica
This remedy is indicated for muscle cramps or constricting pains in the back. Discomfort is made worse by cold and relieved by warmth. Pain usually is worse night, and the person may have to sit up in bed to turn over. Backache is also worse during constipation, and the pain is aggravated when the person feels the urge to move the bowels.

Rhus toxicodendron
This remedy can be useful for pain in the neck and shoulders as well as the lower back, when the pain is worse on initial movement and improves with continued motion. Even though in pain, the person finds it hard to lie down or stay still for very long, and often restlessly paces about. Aching and stiffness are aggravated in cold damp weather and relieved by warm applications, baths or showers, and massage.

Sulphur
This remedy is often indicated when a person with back pain has a slouching posture. The back is weak and the person feels much worse from standing up for any length of time. Pain is also worse from stooping. Warmth may aggravate the pain and inflammation.

Other remedies
Cimicifuga (also called actaea racemosa)

Severe aching and stiffness in the upper back and neck, as well as the lower back-with pains that extend down the thighs or across the hips - may be eased with this remedy. It is often helpful for back pain during menstrual periods, with cramping, heaviness, and soreness. A person who needs this remedy typically is talkative and energetic, becoming agitated or depressed when ill.

Dulcamara

If back pain sets in during cold damp weather, along with catching a cold, or after getting wet and chilled, this remedy may be indicated. Stiffness and chills can be felt in the back, and pain is usually worse from stooping.

Ignatia

Back pains related to emotional upsets-especially grief-will often respond to this remedy. Thee muscles of the lower back may spasm, and twitches, drawing pains, and cramps often occur in other areas.

Kali carbonicum

Kali carbonicum is a homeopathic medicine for lower back pain with the feeling that the knees are going to" give in"

Hypericum perforatum

This honeopathic remedy relieves lower back pain with sharp throbbing pain.

Ruta graveolens

This is used to relieve lower back pain caused or worsened by staying immobile.