DR SYLVESTER IKHISEMOJIE FROM PUNCH
This is a common condition that affects many people. It is characterised by pain or ache in the lower region of the back, which usually varies in intensity. The pain can range from a muscle aching to a shooting, burning, or stabbing sensation that may radiate to the legs. Bending, twisting, lifting, standing, or walking can make it worse.
Low back pain may not always be related to an underlying condition. It may be caused by lifting heavy objects, sudden jerks in a motor vehicle, excessive strain on the muscle due to prolonged sitting or wrong positioning while sleeping, prolonged use of high heel shoes which is a common feature of today’s corporate woman and is also common during pregnancy and before or during menstruation.
The diagnosis of low back pain involves examining the skin cells to rule out conditions such as psoriasis that have a similar appearance. Physical examination of the skin and allergy tests to check for allergies that cause symptoms can also be performed. Treatment options for low back pain include reducing redness and itching of the skin with medications and the application of creams. Antihistamines such as diphenhydramine help to control itching.
Corticosteroid oral drugs such as prednisolone, and creams such as diclofenac or ointment are used to reduce swelling and itching. Self-care steps that may be helpful in some less serious cases include applying muscle relaxant ointments or sprays, trying to rest the back for a while, avoiding heavy physical activities for a couple of days, applying heat or cold compress – depending on what soothes the body, trying over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen, and paracetamol or tylenol, avoiding jerky or painful movements, observing the pain location and intensity, whether the pain is constant or appears during certain activities like bending, stretching and such. If any person is experiencing new or persistent symptoms of low back pain or any other health condition, it is safer to go to a hospital and undergo a proper examination by a doctor. There, a history about the possible origins of the pain will be obtained and this is followed by a comprehensive physical examination to look for sore spots and bunched or sore muscles. It is also geared towards the determination of possible radiation of such pain and whether it interferes with daily activities such as walking and climbing a flight of stairs.
Several exercises can help alleviate low back pain. We will describe some of them here:
- Knee-to-chest stretch: Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Using both hands, pull up one knee and press it toward your chest. Tighten the muscles in your belly and press your spine to the floor. Hold for five seconds. Return to the starting position and repeat with the other leg. Go back to the starting position. Then repeat with both legs at the same time.
- Lower back rotational stretch: Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Keep your shoulders firmly on the floor, and slowly roll your bent knees to one side. Hold for 5 to 10 seconds. Slowly go back to the starting position. Repeat this movement on the other side.
- Lower back flexibility exercise: Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Tighten the muscles in your belly so that your lower back pulls up, away from the floor. Hold for five seconds and then relax. Flatten your back, pulling your belly button toward the floor. Hold for five seconds and then relax. Repeat this movement as often as you can in a given amount of time.
