We often tend to underestimate it, but its origin can be linked to a wide range of factors: from incorrect posture maintained for too many hours, to poorly managed physical effort, to inflammatory conditions. Understanding the origin of your pain is the first essential step to be able to deal with it in the right way, since each type of back pain requires a specific approach. In this study, we will analyze the main forms of pain that affect the lumbar and back areas, providing useful suggestions for managing them effectively.
Pain in the lower back
When we commonly talk about back pain, in most cases we are referring to lumbar pain, or lumbago. This lower section of the spine has the fundamental task of supporting the weight of the upper part of the body, and for this reason it is particularly exposed to stress and wear. The causes behind low back pain are often a mix of factors. Among the most common we find muscle contractures, which can arise after a sudden movement or after lifting a weight incorrectly. Bad postural habits also play a crucial role, especially for those who work for a long time sitting at a desk. In other contexts, the problem can derive from the intervertebral discs, as in the case of protrusions or hernias, which can compress the nerve endings and radiate pain up the leg, a situation known as lumbosciatica. Aging-related conditions, such as osteoarthritis, can also contribute to chronic pain. To manage low back pain, the approach changes depending on the cause and intensity. In the most acute phase, active rest is advisable, which does not mean total immobility but simply avoiding movements that worsen the pain. Applying localized heat can help release muscle tension. As an alternative to thermal patches, diclofenac-based patches for back pain may be indicated: they should be used according to the doctor’s or pharmacist’s instructions and are not heating.
To prevent the problem from recurring, targeted exercises to lengthen and strengthen the abdominal and back muscles are essential.
Pain in the back area
Less frequent but no less annoying is the pain that is localized in the central and upper part of the back, i.e. dorsalgia. This section of the spine, protected by the rib cage, is naturally more rigid and less subject to mechanical problems than the lumbar area. However, even here pain can make its appearance. It is often the result of incorrect postures maintained for a long time, such as the classic “hunched” position in front of the computer, which creates continuous tension on the back muscles. Traumas, such as whiplash in a car accident or a fall, can also trigger the disorder. Sometimes, however, dorsalgia can be a sign of more structured conditions, such as spinal deformities (scoliosis, hyperkyphosis) or arthritic processes. In some rare cases, it can even be a reflex pain, originating from problems relating to internal organs. Dealing with back pain requires first understanding its true origin. Correcting your postural habits throughout the day is the first step, and often the most important. A physiotherapy journey, with manual therapies and specific exercises, is essential to recover mobility and ease tensions. Activities such as swimming or pilates are also excellent for keeping the entire core muscles strong and supple.
How to manage pain: strategies and remedies
Regardless of where it occurs, an active approach is always the best choice for managing back pain. A sedentary lifestyle is a sworn enemy of the spine, because it weakens all the muscles that support it. Paying attention to where and how you sleep and choosing a suitable mattress can also make a big difference. In addition to more traditional therapies, which in some cases may involve the use of anti-inflammatory drugs under medical supervision, there are various remedies that can offer valid help. Hot compresses are ideal for muscle contractures, while cold compresses are more suitable in cases of acute inflammation. The plant world also offers solutions, with plants such as arnica or devil’s claw, appreciated for their soothing properties. In this panorama of solutions, the plasters stand out for their great practicality: whether they are based on pain-relieving active ingredients or which act through heat, they allow precise application and prolonged action, helping to reduce pain and relax the muscles precisely at the point where it is needed.
