Herb
Treatment Support
antispasmodic
Application
tea, tincture, tablet, capsule
Lumbago
Christopher Hobbs:
“Lumbago is pain in the lower back. It can be due to injury or stagnation of blood due to inactivity. If chronic, it can be due to adrenal weakness and protein deficiency.”
Lumbago (lower back pain) can arise from various causes, including mechanical, degenerative, inflammatory, or systemic factors. Here’s a breakdown:
Etiologic Factors
- Mechanical Causes:
- Muscle strain or ligament sprain due to overexertion or improper lifting.
- Poor posture or prolonged sitting.
- Spinal misalignment or instability.
- Degenerative Conditions:
- Osteoarthritis.
- Degenerative disc disease.
- Herniated discs.
- Inflammatory or Systemic Conditions:
- Ankylosing spondylitis or other autoimmune disorders.
- Infections (e.g., spinal abscess).
- Kidney problems (e.g., stones or infection).
- Other Factors:
- Obesity or lack of exercise.
- Psychological stress or depression (can exacerbate pain perception).
- Trauma, such as falls or accidents.
When to Seek Professional Help
- Severe or persistent pain lasting more than a week.
- Pain that radiates down the legs (sciatica) or causes numbness, tingling, or weakness.
- Difficulty controlling bladder or bowel functions (could indicate a serious condition like cauda equina syndrome).
- Pain associated with fever, weight loss, or a history of cancer or infection.
- Pain following significant trauma, such as a fall or accident.
Treatment Plan for Lumbago
When to Treat at Home with Herbs
Herbal remedies can be helpful for mild or temporary lumbago caused by muscle strain or minor inflammation. Some options include:
- Turmeric (Curcuma longa): Contains curcumin, a natural anti-inflammatory.
- Ginger (Zingiber officinale): Reduces muscle pain and inflammation.
- Devil’s Claw (Harpagophytum procumbens): Traditionally used for back pain relief.
- Willow (Salix alba) Bark: A natural source of salicin (similar to aspirin).
Guidelines for Home Treatment:
- Combine herbs with rest, gentle stretching, heat/cold therapy, and proper posture.
- Avoid herbs if pregnant, nursing, or taking medications that may interact with them.
- If symptoms persist or worsen despite home remedies, seek medical advice.
Christopher Hobbs:
“For acute conditions, acupuncture, chiropractic treatment, massage, hydrotherapy, and herbal anti-inflammatory oils such as St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) are often used with success. If pain persists more than a week, it may be wise to seek the help of a qualified health care practitioner or physician to determine if the lumbar disks are damaged or prolapsed. This can cause pressure on nerve roots coming from the spine, increasing pain and discomfort. This is especially true if the pain radiates down the leg, or if any weakness of the feet or leg is experienced.”
Generated by ChatGPT; edited and supplemented by Dr. Christopher Hobbs PhD
Herbal Remedies for Lumbago
Herb
Treatment Support
Application
Herb
Treatment Support
anti-inflammatory
Application
whole seed as a poultice
Herb
Treatment Support
anti-inflammatory
Application
oil externally, tincture internally
Herb
Treatment Support
kidney and hormone tonic; bone restorative
Application
traditional extract in pill form, tea
Related Lumbago conditions
Additional Ailment
Herb
Application
No additional ailments found.
The information given here is designed to help you make informed choices about your health. The information is drawn from numerous sources—both traditional medicine practice, from the clinical experience of many herbalists currently practicing, and supported by decades of scientific research from the author. The research most consulted includes human clinical trials that help to determine the most effective and safe herbs for various needs, the best doses, and types of preparations.
The information offered in this database is not intended as a substitute for any that may have been prescribed by your health practitioner or physician.
