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Stiff Back - Causes and Symptoms
What to do with stiffness in the back?
Many people complain of a stiffness in the lower back or on a stiff back, especially in the morning after getting up and after prolonged sitting or standing. If affected then move, it usually gets a little better. Especially after rest periods or after standing for a long time, the stiffness can make it difficult for the affected person. Immobility is often accompanied by deep-seated lower back pain. In the following, the symptoms and the possible causes are explained in more detail.
contents
- What to do with stiffness in the back?
- Stiff back - a quick overview
- Symptoms and complaints in severe back
- Posture errors and one-sided loads
- Common causes of a stiff back
- From when should you with a stiff back to the doctor?
- therapy options
- Naturopathy with back pain
- Preventive measures
- Influence of the psyche
Stiff back - a quick overview
Here is a brief overview of the symptoms of a stiff back and possible therapeutic approaches to remedy:
- Synonyms: Stiff back, Tectonic fixation in the lower back, Chronic trigger bands in the lower back, Hartspann of the thoracolumbar fascia, tight back, stiffness in the back.
- symptoms: Stiffness in the back after rest periods, after standing for a long time or after a bent position, restricted mobility, lower back pain, sciatic pain.
- Possible causes: Severe tension in the hip flexor, nerve irritation, posture disorder, crooked back, unilateral strain, overuse, obesity, nerve pinched, herniated disc, neuralgia, tumors, ankylosing spondylitis, osteoporosis.
- therapy options: Physiotherapy, massages, painkillers, in rare cases surgery.
- Naturopathy: Heat therapy, acupuncture, stress reduction, spine therapy after Dorn and Breuss.
Monotonous stress and poor posture can cause a stiff back. (Image: Andrey Popov / fotolia.com) Symptoms and complaints in severe back
Patients often complain of a stiff back when they lean forward for a long time. Then they are temporarily stiff in the back, which improves after some time with and through movement again. In addition, standing for a long time causes problems and the back tires quickly. Bending forward first makes it hard for most people to experience these symptoms and gets better as they move. In general, exercise is better for those affected and after rest, the back must "only get started". Some of them also complain of low back pain and stiffness.
Posture errors and one-sided loads
Posture and unilateral stress are common causes that can cause stiffness and back pain. Many modern occupations are practiced in a sedentary posture and thus lay the foundation for postural damage. Likewise, the regular carrying of heavy loads can lead to back problems. A pinched nerve or even a herniated disc are possible consequences. Proper lifting and carrying of loads can prevent such damage. Care should be taken not to lift loads with their backs bent or their torso bent forward. Instead:
- Get close to the load.
- Squat with your legs slightly apart.
- Grasp the load with both hands.
- Keep your back straight and tense back and abdominal muscles.
- Lift the load evenly without jerky movements.
- Keep the weight as close to the center of the body as possible near the pelvis.
- Slowly exhale when lifting.
- When settling the load, proceed in the opposite direction.
Proper lifting and carrying of loads can prevent back damage. (Image: heilpraxis.de/elenabsl/fotolia.com) Common causes of a stiff back
In practice, a high tension in the hip flexor muscle (M.Iliopsoas) can often be observed in those affected. It is conceivable that an "inner tension" predominates, which can also be of a psychological nature. The constant tension on the inside of the spine by the hip flexor can lead to a backlash of the external opponent (back muscles), irritation of the nerves exiting the hip flexor and a congestion in the area, which could cause the discomfort. Therefore, it is important to include not only the stiffness-related area of the lower back but also the connections to other structures and functions.
From when should you with a stiff back to the doctor?
Everybody can get lost or burden themselves one-sidedly. If the symptoms disappear after a few days and regular home remedies for back pain such as a muscle relaxation bath, warm compresses or a walk strike well, there is no cause for concern. In the acute case, a step bearing of the legs can help to relieve pain. The legs are raised approximately at a right angle while the back rests flat. However, if the symptoms worsen or persist for a long time, the family doctor should be consulted, who will issue a referral to an orthopedist, neurologist or x-ray doctor if necessary.
therapy options
Back pain often involves physiotherapy. Through targeted exercises, the back muscles are strengthened and shortened muscle by stretching exercises lifted. In addition, sufferers should also be motivated to exercise regularly, so that the muscles remain permanently strengthened. In addition to the physiotherapy, painkillers may be used to counteract the posture. Furthermore, massages are available to alleviate the suffering. In rare cases, surgery must be performed if, for example, a tumor or severe disc damage is the cause of back stiffness.
Naturopathy with back pain
For external use envelopes with tinctures and oils from Aconitum (Eisenhut), St. John's wort or Swedish bitters as well as ointments containing active ingredients from bee venom or cayenne pepper are suitable. Extracts of stinging nettle and devil's claw have also proven themselves in this area. Also here is to call willow bark, which was already used in Indian medicine. Acupuncture also has good effects on many sufferers.
If the symptoms are based on damage to the spine or intervertebral discs, spinal column therapy according to Dorn and Breuss can help. Supportive homeopathy can also be used. These are often used the means Nux Vomica, Aconitum Napellus and Ruta graveolens. A healing effect on back stiffness also shows:
- Heilerde,
- Fighter,
- lavender,
- lemon balm,
- yarrow.
Preventive measures
Through targeted preventive measures, this back pain can be prevented in many cases. In particular, by appropriate regular exercise, a large part of these symptoms can be resolved. Overload of the back should be avoided as far as possible. Instead, a targeted training of the back muscles and their opponents is recommended. In order to counteract monotonous burdens on office work, short breaks in working hours in which back pain exercises are performed are recommended. Obesity can also lead to back stiffness. A weight loss can therefore contribute to the relief. Even with more severe pain, it is not recommended to stay longer in bed, as the symptoms often increase as a result of long periods of rest.
Correct sitting with regular changes in postures, gentle lifting and carrying of loads, well-trained muscles and appropriate rest periods can prevent back problems. (Image: heilpraxis.de/Trueffelpix/fotolia.com) Influence of the psyche
If the cause of the stiff back can not be found and if there are no signs of success in therapy, it may be psychosomatic back pain. Here is a psychotherapeutic treatment that may include special relaxation techniques such as autogenic training or progressive muscle relaxation to reduce stress. With the help of cognitive behavioral therapy can be tackled against the causal mental stress. (tf, vb; updated June 25, 2018)