Treat mild back pain yourself
Pharmacies advise: Heat and exercise help with mild back pain (Image source: © pixabay)
Almost everyone suffers from back pain at some point in their lives. Almost a third of the adult population and around a fifth of children and young people in Germany suffer from back pain. The symptoms range from mild tension and muscle hardening to pain like lumbago, which significantly restricts movement. Back pain usually comes on suddenly, but in most cases it is harmless and often goes away within a few days. In the run-up to Back Health Day on March 15, 2024, the State Pharmacists Association explains what those affected can do to prevent back problems, what self-medication measures there are and what things should be avoided.
“You could almost say that back pain has become a kind of disease of civilization. They often arise from too little exercise, sitting for long periods of time at a desk, for example, or standing for long periods of time. Anyone who suffers from back pain or doesn’t want to get it in the first place should therefore keep moving or get moving,” explains Friederike Habighorst-Klemm, member of the board and patient representative of the Baden-Württemberg State Pharmacists Association. It is wrong if those affected respond to the onset of pain by taking complete rest or even going to bed. “Affected people shouldn’t necessarily lift dumbbells in the gym or do high-intensity sports, but a walk in the forest or gentle yoga can relieve even slight tension. Fascia training under trained guidance is also recommended. “This loosens adhesions in the muscles,” the pharmacist continued. Tension can also be relieved by taking the muscle-relaxing mineral magnesium. “Before patients with back pain come into a protective position, i.e. move differently to avoid the back pain, they should take a painkiller. Agents such as ibuprofen or diclofenac, which also have an anti-inflammatory effect, help here,” advises Habighorst-Klemm. Warming ointments with nonivamide, nicoboxil or capsaicin also provide relief, as do heat plasters. Some patients ask for cooling pain gels, reports the pharmacist: “Cooling gels are more likely to be used for bruises and falls. If a patient is tense but cannot tolerate heat, I recommend neutral pain ointments with ibuprofen or comfrey.” If the symptoms do not improve or every movement causes severe pain, the patient should consult their family doctor or specialist .
Image source: © pixabay
The Baden-Württemberg State Pharmacists Association e. V. is committed to providing independent advice to patients, health prevention and the safe dispensing of medicines. There are around 2,200 public pharmacies in Baden-Württemberg. The association represents the economic and political interests of its members. In addition to licensed pharmacists, around 15,000 specialists, mostly women, work full-time or part-time in the country to ensure the well-being of patients. The Baden-Württemberg State Pharmacists Association e. V. is certified according to DIN EN ISO 9001: 2015.
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Baden-Württemberg State Pharmacists Association
Frank Eickmann
Hölderlinstr. 12
70174 Stuttgart
0711/22334-77