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LUMBAGO / BACKACHE/ SLIP DISC -
HOMOEOPATHY
Q.1-What is Lumbago? Is Backache, Low Back Pain
and Lumbago same thing?
Ans.- In today's scenario almost 80 percent of
adults are affected by back pain at some point in their lives. Almost every
family has one or more people suffered with this some time or the other. Lumbago
is defined as mild to severe pain or discomfort in the area of the lower back.
Weak muscles in the Back & Stomach increase the risk of Backaches . A
variety of problems in the muscles, tendons, bones, ligaments, or an underlying
organ, such as the kidney, may also cause backaches. The pain can be Acute
(sudden and severe) or Chronic if it has lasted more than three months. Lumbago
often occurs in younger people whose work involves physical effort though is not
uncommon in elder people of retirement age also. Lumbago is a term for muscle
pain in the lower back, near the pelvis & affected region with pain is Lumbo
-Sacral region of spine hence it is termed as Lumbago.
Q.2- What are the causes
of Lumbago?
Ans.- There can be many precipitating causes
for backache. In the majority of cases, it is impossible to identify the exact
cause of backache. Still in 25% of cases, however, it is possible to identify
the cause. Often, these patients are suffering from conditions like a Slipped
Disc, Osteoporosis (brittle bones), deformation of natural spine curvature
(Scoliosis) or more rarely, skeletal damage due to tumours or infection. It is
believed that back pain is usually the result of spinal degeneration or injury,
especially damage to intervertebral discs, These are structures located between
the vertebrae that act as cushions. Each disc consists of a tough, fibrous outer
layer surrounding a soft interior, which is what provides the cushioning. With
the ordinary wear and tear of living, the discs show signs of aging and may be
injured. When a disc begins to degenerate, a strain - even something as small as
a sneeze - can cause the disc to rupture, or herniate, allowing the soft
interior material to protrude out of the disc and press against the spinal cord.
This situation is sometimes erroneously referred to as a "Slipped
Disc"or Disc Prolapse . A herniated disk can indeed cause severe
intermittent or constant back pain.. Though the main cause of back pain is
simple muscle spasm or strain . Although symptoms may come on suddenly and can
be acutely painful, this is actually a problem that develops over a long period
of time. When muscles contract, Lactic acid and Pyruvic acid are produced as
byproducts of muscular activity. It is the presence of lactic acid in the
muscles that produces the familiar sensation of muscle fatigue following
strenous activity. If high levels of these acidic byproducts accumulate in the
muscles, they cause irritation that can eventually turn into pain and interfere
with the normal conduction of electrical impulses in the muscle tissue. This
results in a condition called delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS). Problems
with acidic build-up are often made worse by dehydration. Precipitating Facors
:- - Wrong or Poor posture. - Wearing Improper footwear. - Walking habits. -
Improper lifting & Bending. - Straining. - Slouching when sitting. -
Sleeping on a very soft mattresses. - Calcium deficiency. - Intravertebral disc
damage, injury, wear & tear . - Herniation or prolapse or rupture of
intervertebral disc. - Bone disease specially Osteoporosis. - Abnormal curvature
of the spine or Scoliosis. - Fractures can also rarely cause the backache. -
Arthritis. - Rheumatism. - Constipation. - Kidney, bladder, prostate problems
and female pelvic disorders. - Female reproductive disorders or problems.
Premenstrual Pain. - Pregnancy and labor. (Baby is head down, facing toward
mother's pubic bone instead of her backbone), back labor is a frequent occurance.
It can be very intense back pain due to the pressure of the baby's skull
pressing against the tailbone. - Psychological, emotional or stress-related
problem.
Q3 What are the symptoms of Lumbago?
Ans.- Symptoms usually are: - Acute or Chronic
pain. Muscle fatigue. Stiffness. Swelling. Spinal subluxation. Pain radiating
into legs. Numbness and /or tingling in limbs.
- Pain across the lower part of the back that
sometimes radiates into the buttocks, the back of the thigh or to the groin. The
pain is usually worse on movement. - Limitation in movement of the spine -
especially bending forward and leaning back. - Tense spasm of the muscles
surrounding the spine and causing a stiff back. - With severe pain and spasm,
the back may tilt to one side causing a change in the posture. - The pain is
sometimes accompanied by a tingling sensation or numbness in the back or
buttocks / hips or leg.
Q.4- Is Lumbago a dangerous condition in any
way ?
Ans.- In case there is suddenly loss of control
on bladder or bowel movements with the area of the lower back or legs turns
numb, It calls for an immediate medical attention or a consultation with the
Specialist. If one suffer from backaches and notice reduced strength or muscle
bulk in one or both legs, a Neurologist and Orthopaedic surgeon must be
consulted. These warning signs indicate compression of the spinal cord and its
branches and early treatment is essential to avoid the permanent damage. To see
the exact nature of problem and pressure on the nerve investigations should be
carried out. X-Rays are often considered a routine part of back pain diagnosis,
yet only a few back conditions show up on X-Rays. If the pain is caused by
muscle strain or herniated disc, the X-Ray will do little to aid the diagnosis,
since discs, muscles and ligaments are all soft tissues. X-Ray exposure should
be avoided in pregnant women patients. CT- Scan and MRI -Scan can show the
nature and extent of the discs involved. However, it is noted that 20 to 30
percent of people with back pain have herniated discs that are not the source of
their discomfort. If pain comes after lifting something heavy, after coughing,
or after unusually heavy exercise, and the pain prevents one from moving or
shoots down one leg, one may have a slipped , prolapsed or herniated disc.
Smoking aggravates problems in the discs.
Q.5- Are there any home remedies or measures to
ease Backache ?
Ans. - In Acute low back pain - Use
painkillers. Special medicines for relaxation of muscles may sometimes be
prescribed. NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) and muscle relaxants
relieve more pain than placebo. - Activity is beneficial. Stay active. Get on
with your life within the limits of your pain. - Heat or Warmth helps, as does
swimming in a warm pool. - Rest and sleep lying on a firm, flat surface, if
possible. - Avoid stooping, bending, lifting and sitting on low chairs. - Bear
in mind that backaches are rarely caused by a serious illness and usually go
away in a couple of days.
In Chronic low back pain - If you have suffered
backaches for a long period, you must see & consult your Physician for the
proper referral to the specialist to rule out any underlying pathology e.g T.B.
etc..
Q.6- How to prevent the occurance and What are
Dos and Don'ts for the patients ?
Ans.- Prevention · Adopt correct & good
posture · Exercise regularly - especially swimming · Avoid Jerky movements or
rides. · Don't stay in the one position for too long. Stand up and stretch
after you have been sitting for a while or crouch for a few moments if you have
been reaching up. · Lift correctly with your legs, not your back. Do not bend
at the waist to lift. · Support your lower back when sitting. Buy a special
cushion if necessary, particularly for driving · Try and sleep on your side -
ensure you have a firm mattress. · Get up from the bed by turning to the side
and don't get up straight from the bed.
TREATMENT CONSIDERATIONS For the treatment of
back pain, any of the following medical systems and types of practices can be
opted: All Medical Systems like Allopathy, Homoeopathy, Ayurveda , Acupuncture ,
Acupressure, Reiki ,Yoga and Physiotherapy etc. deal with the patients of
Backache. Surgery in extreme cases is recomended where there is Cord Compression
and Root Canal Stenosis has occured and causing weakness and waisting or
Neurological deficit is threatened. Though Surgery always entails a degree of
risk; there is always the chance of permanent damage and impaired
mobility.(Refer to Testimonials in website www.ovihams.com)
Allopathy - Medicines Like Pain Killers NSAID(
Non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs, Muscle relaxants, Injectable painkillers
etc. Homoeopathically :- The best is the constitutional remedy . Remidies like
Arnica ; Bryonia ; Rhus Tox ; Kali Carb ; Cimicifuga ; Kalmia Latifolia ; Ruta
Colocynthis etc. I have found are very useful according to their indications in
my practice. Excellent results has been obtained at OVIHAMS Medical Center in
treating the cases of Lumbago, Spondylosis, Prolapse Disc etc. causing Backache
with the integration of Homoeopathic Medicines and Acupuncture with holistic
approach.
Prof. Dr.A.K.Gupta D.H.M.S(Dli);M.I.H.L.(Geneva)
M.G.N.(Med.)P.H; P.G.(London) HOMOEOPATHIC CONSULTANT Director - OVIHAMS
Recipient: International Dr. Hahneman Award of the Millennium Prof. Dr.B.R.Sur
Homoeopathic Medical College & Hospital ( I.P.Univ.) Member Homoeopathic
Advisory Committee Govt. of NCT Delhi.
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