What measures help with a lumbago?
May 26, 2024 | 30,00 EUR | answered by Helma Krause
Dear Doctor,
My name is Paul Krüger and I have been suffering from severe sciatica for a few days. It started suddenly with a sharp pain in the lower back that radiates down the leg. This pain makes it difficult for me to move and carry out everyday tasks. I am concerned that it could be a serious disc herniation and I am wondering what measures could help me alleviate the pain and support recovery.
I have already tried to rest and take pain medication, but it doesn't seem to be helping much. I have also tried to keep warm and do gentle stretching exercises, but the pain persists. I am worried that I may not be able to continue working or manage my daily routine as usual.
Could you please recommend what measures I can take to treat the sciatica and alleviate the pain? Are there specific exercises or therapies that could help me? Should I rest more or stay active? I would greatly appreciate your professional assessment and advice in order to be pain-free and mobile again as soon as possible.
Thank you in advance for your support and help.
Sincerely,
Paul Krüger
Dear Mr. Krüger,
Thank you for your message and your trust in my expertise. I'm sorry to hear that you are suffering from severe lumbago and that the previous measures have not provided the desired relief. Lumbago can be very painful and severely restrict mobility, so it is important to take appropriate measures to treat the symptoms and support recovery.
A stabbing pain in the lower back that radiates down the leg can indeed indicate a herniated disc. A herniated disc occurs when the soft core of the disc protrudes through the outer shell and can irritate nerve roots in the spinal canal, leading to the symptoms you described.
To treat lumbago and alleviate the pain, I recommend continuing to take pain medication to reduce the discomfort. In addition, anti-inflammatory medications can help reduce swelling and alleviate pain. It is important to rest adequately and avoid physical exertion that could exacerbate the pain.
Furthermore, physiotherapeutic measures such as targeted stretching and strengthening exercises can be helpful in strengthening the muscles and improving mobility. A physiotherapist can also help you train appropriate posture and movements in daily life to reduce strain on the spine.
It is important to stay active, but in a gentle way. Avoid heavy physical work or one-sided strain that could worsen the pain. Regular walks or light exercises can promote blood circulation and activate the muscles.
If the symptoms do not improve despite these measures or even worsen, I recommend making an appointment with an orthopedic specialist in your area. The orthopedic specialist can make an accurate diagnosis and, if necessary, conduct further examinations such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to clarify the cause of the lumbago and develop an individual treatment strategy.
I hope my advice helps you and contributes to you being pain-free and mobile as soon as possible. Do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions or need support.
Wishing you a speedy recovery and all the best for your health.
Kind regards,
Helma Krause
