Acute lumbago, what should I do?

Will lumbago show what?

Acute lumbago may last for days to weeks. Generally speaking, lumbago lasting less than three months is acute lumbago, while lumbago lasting more than three months is chronic lumbago.

Acute lumbago may have stabbing pain or burning sensation, blunt pain or sharp pain, and may also be accompanied by stiff back, difficulty in moving the lower waist, difficulty in standing up straight, and weak legs and feet.

What about lumbago?

Step 1 Take a break

Stop normal physical activity for the first few days of low back pain, which can relieve pain and edema in the pain area. Do not lift weights or twist your back for the first 6 weeks after the pain starts.

Step 2: Ice on the affected part

Within 48-72 hours of pain, wrap ice bags or ice cubes with towels and apply ice to the pain area. Hot compress can also be used later.

Step 3 Take painkillers

If the pain is unbearable and affects normal life, you can consult a pharmacist to use over-the-counter painkillers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen (paracetamol).

Step 4 Improve your sleeping posture

When sleeping, try to curl up like a fetus and sandwich a pillow between your legs. If you are used to sleeping on your back, you can put a pillow or rolled towel under your knees to relieve waist pressure.

5. Seek medical treatment in time

If lumbago does not ease, go to the hospital in time. Doctors will diagnose the cause of lumbago and exclude other systemic diseases, such as ureteral stones. Under the guidance of doctors, most acute lumbago will improve by using ice compress, painkillers, physiotherapy or appropriate exercise.

How to prevent lumbago?

Step 1 Exercise

It is not recommended to stay in bed all the time when lumbago occurs. If there is no other discomfort in the body, except for the first day or two of the most painful days, you should reduce your activities and then slowly resume your daily activities.

After 2-3 weeks, exercise can be started step by step. Walking and swimming are good choices, which can improve the blood flow in the back, promote recovery, enhance the muscle strength in the abdomen and back, and reduce the risk of recurrence.

Step 2 Avoid standing for long periods of time

If you have to stand because of your work, you have to shift the center of gravity of your feet and rest your feet alternately at intervals. [Chen 1]

Step 3: Choose comfortable shoes

Wear less or even no high heels, and you can also choose shoes with cushioning function.

Step 4 Pay Attention to Sitting Position

When sitting frequently, especially when using a computer, you should pay attention to your sitting posture, get up and move every other hour, and choose an adjustable seat, a chair with a back, and a straight back.

You can also put a stool at your feet and let your knees be higher than your hips when sitting.

When sitting or driving for a long time, you can put a small pillow or rolled towel around your waist.

Step 5 Quit smoking

Smoking is also a risk factor for low back pain. Nicotine in cigarettes can cause vasoconstriction. Intervertebral disc vasoconstriction may lead to insufficient nutrient supply and pathological changes.

Step 6: Lose weight

Obesity is also a risk factor for lumbago. If you have overweight or obesity problems, you should start losing weight.