Low back pain is one of the most common medical conditions in the adult population. It is estimated that more than 80% of the population will suffer from it at some point in their lives.
Depending on the duration of the pain episode, it is classified as:
– Acute – Lasts less than 6 weeks
– Subacute – Lasts between 6 weeks and 3 months
– Chronic – Lasts more than 3 months
The treatment guidelines for low back pain in primary care, once the differential diagnosis has been made, recommend:
– Reassure that there is a favourable prognosis
– Recommend staying active and avoiding total rest
– Prescribe medication if necessary: paracetamol, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants or opioids.
– Consider spinal manipulation for pain relief
Acupuncture can be an excellent alternative to improve the quality of life of those who suffer from low back pain, reducing the frequency of crises and the intensity of pain.
In Chinese Medicine, the lower back is related to the kidneys, having a tendency to suffer from lower back pain or suffering from vertebral degeneration (osteoarthritis) is an indication of a lack of Kidney deficiency.
On the other hand, if the pain is acute (lumbago), the result of a trauma, bad gesture or the invasion of pathogenic factors – cold, wind, heat, humidity – that local inflammation, according to Chinese Medicine, is a blockage of the blood and energy at the level of the lumbar and the meridians that run through that area.
In the case of chronic low back pain, it is recommended to tone the kidneys with herbal medicine.
Stretch every day keeps the blood moving through the area. Remember that pain is blood blockage. If blood doesn’t flow, there is pain.
If you work sitting down, do a few minutes of stretching every 2 hours. Important for those working on remote.
Avoid sports activities where a lot of weight is loaded. Lifting weight creates blood stagnation making the pain worse.
Tones the abdominals to help the spine. To stronger the abdominals, less pressure over the spine.
Food is also important in order to tone the Kidneys: oat, barley, algae, black sesame, azuki beans, sunflower seeds, grapes, mushrooms, cuttlefish, oysters, fish, lentils, plums, raspberries, blackberries, miso, soy sauce and walnuts.
Photo by Toa Heftiba
