Lower back pain, including the dreaded “witch’s shot” (an Italian expression for sudden acute lower back strain), affects millions of people worldwide, causing pain and limited mobility that can hinder even normal everyday activities.
This phenomenon is particularly prevalent in highly urbanized areas like Lombardy, where a significant percentage of the workforce is employed in office jobs, making lower back pain almost an epidemic condition. Recent data shows that 70-80% of the Lombard population has experienced at least one episode of lower back pain in their lifetime, with a higher prevalence among people aged between 35 and 55 years.
This not only affects quality of life but also impacts workplace productivity. In fact, it is one of the leading causes of absenteeism and medical visits.
RISK FACTORS AND COMMON CAUSES OF LOWER BACK PAIN
Many of my patients often ask why they developed a problem like acute lower back pain or recurring lumbar pain without any obvious trauma. I simply respond that there are generally two types of physical traumas that cause back pain. A physical trauma caused by an impact or stress of certain force/intensity occurring in a limited time, such as a fall, overexertion, or accident, and a physical trauma caused by very small forces prolonged over time, as seen with poor posture or repetitive movements.
Other factors to consider include a sedentary lifestyle, stress and emotional tension, and structural degeneration that occurs with aging.
Lower back pain can occur acutely and suddenly, as with the dreaded witch’s shot, or unfortunately become a chronic issue. Those suffering from back pain often try many types of therapies to find a solution.
Did you know there is a natural method to help with these issues without resorting to drugs or invasive procedures?
Chiropractic care is one of the best solutions and can help resolve the problem at its root by identifying the underlying causes, often related to musculoskeletal dysfunctions and their impact on the nervous system, which controls everything in our body. Through specific adjustments to the skeletal structure, particularly the spine, chiropractic care can restore the natural alignment of the back, promoting quick pain relief and helping prevent future recurrences, or at least reducing their frequency and intensity.
It’s no coincidence that the effectiveness and importance of chiropractic care have been highlighted by the U.S. government through the “Department of Homeland Security,” recognizing chiropractic as an ESSENTIAL health service for the nation. One might wonder why in Italy chiropractic still isn’t fully recognized… but that’s a matter for another article.
What is the “witch’s shot” and how can chiropractic care help?
One of the most debilitating cases of lower back pain is the infamous “witch’s shot”, a typical Italian description of the problem. It is a sudden, intense, and very painful contraction of the lumbar muscles that spasm forcefully. This often occurs even after normal and seemingly harmless movements, and sometimes without any specific cause. The causes can vary:
- Structural: such as the presence of a herniated disc or inflammation of vertebral joints.
- Functional: such as muscle strains, vertebral or pelvic misalignments.
Often, the affected person will adopt an antalgic posture, forcibly maintained by muscles in spasm, acting as a protection to prevent further nerve irritation.
People often ask, “How long does the witch’s shot last?”
The answer is that it usually resolves within a few days, but resolving the underlying problem and preventing recurrence depends on the type of treatment you choose.
Instead of settling for temporary solutions like painkillers, chiropractic care addresses the root causes of the problem, promoting faster and longer-lasting recovery.
The chiropractor can identify musculoskeletal dysfunctions, particularly of the spine and pelvis, that may impact your nervous system and consequently the associated muscular responses, including the dreaded painful lumbar spasms.
Once the situation stabilizes, it is advisable to maintain the structure with periodic maintenance treatments and posture and strengthening exercises.
Knowing what to do for the witch’s shot is crucial, and a visit to the chiropractor can be the wisest decision to prevent this pain from persisting too long, recurring frequently, or becoming more intense over time.
What to do when the witch’s shot strikes suddenly?
There are many different remedies for the witch’s shot, but whatever approach is chosen, it’s important to avoid further strain and alternate rest with gentle movement. Studies have shown that complete rest in the least painful position without incorporating any movement, even minimal, does not yield good results.
When the spasm occurs, you can try to relax the lumbar muscles by lying on a firm surface with your knees bent at 90 degrees, resting your calves on a chair.
McKenzie, on the other hand, suggests maintaining a prone position (face down) and, every two hours, lifting yourself onto your elbows to passively extend the back for one minute, similar to the cobra position.
Applying ice initially is recommended to reduce inflammation, and later warm compresses can help relax the muscles. However, excessive use of heat should be avoided.
Painkillers and muscle relaxants can help restore mobility and reduce pain, but they should always be taken under medical supervision.
Rest is crucial because our tissues repair themselves during sleep. After suffering from the witch’s shot, knowing how to sleep properly and how to avoid additional pain and muscle spasms is extremely important. It is advisable to try sleeping supine with a pillow under the knees or on your side with a pillow between the legs to keep the spine aligned and reduce lumbar stress. Many people also find relief by sleeping on a firm surface.
