Resulting from the contraction or inflammation of the sciatic nerve, lumbago is a sharp pain localized in the lower back that spreads to the buttocks and sometimes the legs. In general, it occurs as a result of a sudden movement, poor posture or when one engages in physical activity without proper warm-up. Regularly lifting heavy loads is also a factor that can trigger this pathology. In many people, lumbago manifests itself by blocked vertebrae in the lower back, so people commonly describe this condition as a “sprained back”.
Very often, a lumbago results in stiffness and back pain. Homoeopathy can provide some appropriate remedies that can be used to alleviate the pain. At the beginning of a lumbago attack, multiple signs may appear such as pain that worsens when the subject moves and is relieved during periods of rest. Sometimes, damp weather is also results in a worsening of the lumbago while the heat slightly improves the symptoms. When the lumbago attack is finally over, homoeopathic treatment is indicated to relieve pain secondary to complications, and is administered on a case by case basis.
Occasionally, the pain is only alleviated at bedtime or during rest or relaxation. In some cases, the beginning of a movement is very painful, and that painful sensation then gradually disappears when the movement (usually walking) is slow and steady. Sometimes the subject is only relieved when in seated position, and sometimes by sitting especially on a hard chair. Lower back pain can worsen after a long drive or just by remaining in a seated position for an extended period of time. Some individuals suffer from chronic lumbago. Very often, lumbar pain spreads to the left leg, than the right one, and even to the stomach.
An individual with a stiff lower back followed by a sharp pain can be relieved by taking 2 granules of Ruta 5 CH and 2 granules of Rhus toxicodendron 9 CH every hour and alternately. In the beginning of a lumbago attack, it is possible to relieve sharp pain by taking 2 granules of each of the three following homoeopathic remedies every hour; Ruta graveolens15 CH, Rhus Toxicodendron 15 CH and Arnica Montana 15 CH. It is also indicated to add two granules of Dulcamara 9 CH if the pain is worsened by humidity. When movements cause the lumbago to worsen, the adequate treatment requires the administration of 2 granules of Bryonia Alba 5 CH and 2 granules of Arnica montana 15 CH, to be taken every hour until the symptoms subside.
Once the lumbago attack has passed lumbago, all secondary or persistent pain can generally be treated by taking homoeopathic remedies that are diluted to 9 CH. It is necessary to take 2 granules five times a day during two days before reducing the dosage to 3 daily intakes during the next 10 days. If the pain is relieved when the patient lies down, rests or performs slow and regular movements, the corresponding treatments are, respectively, Ammonium-muriaticum-based, Bryonia-alba-based and Calcarea-fluorica-based. If the seated position helps to relieve the pain, the recommnede remedy is Naturum muriaticum. To this remedy, add Kalium carbonium and Bryonia alba to treat patients whose pain subsides when they sit on a hard chair. If a car ride worsens the back pain, it must be treated with Bellis perennis.
When the simple act of sitting down worsens the pain, it is necessary to take Cobaltum and Ammonium muriaticum simultaneously. Chronic lumbago can be treated by resorting to Calcarea fluorica. When the pain spreads to the left leg, take Kalium bichromicum; however if the right leg is concerned, use Gnaphallium. It should also be noted that the dosage is the same as the one used right after a lumbago attack, as previously mentionned. Moreover, when the lumbago spreads to the stomach, it is advisable to take 3 granules of Berberis Vulgaris 9 CH three times a day until the symptoms subside.
In case of lumbago, it is advisable to consult a doctor if the pain lasts for more than 3 days despite the administration of a treatment. It is also necessary to see a specialist if the back pain leads to abdominal pain, numbing down one or both legs and leading to urinary and digestive disorders. If the lumbago is due to a blow or a fall, it is necessary to consult a doctor who will be able to establish a precise diagnosis and determine the severity of the pathology. A medical consultation is also mandatory if the person suffering from a lumbago starts to lose weight or is subject to constant pain.
• Arnica montana
• Kalium birchromicum
• Hernia
• Lower back pain
Good to know: If left untreated, a lumbago can worsen and lead to complications such as discal hernia.
