Stiff Back. Crick in the Back. Sprains.
In nearly every instance back-ache is a symptom of some disease, and can be relieved only by treatment appropriate to the real difficulty. Sometimes severe back-ache is directly and positively traceable to a cold, caused by sitting in a draft, etc., and local treatment will afford permanent relief. A good liniment to rub over the back is: Tincture of capsicum[1] and essence of origanum, each one dram; tincture of lobelia, one ounce; alcohol, three ounces. Placing dry, hot flannel over the back often gives quick relief. It is also a good plan to accompany such methods by a good drink of hot ginger tea. Many resort to a cold pack for relief. This is had by placing on the bed a double blanket and upon this a sheet folded up to the size of the back and saturated with cold water; place the patient on his back upon this and draw the blanket around him; and let him remain till the back feels very warm.
Back Sprains.
These are usually the result of violent exercise of unusual character, or of falls or other accidents. They oftenest occur in the loins or neck, and may be known from dislocations or fractures by the fact that in sprains the spine itself is straight, there is no bulging at any one point and tenderness is diffused and the patient is able, although usually with pain, to straighten himself out. Occasionally from strains there may be ecchymosis (black and blue appearance) and considerable swelling.
Treatment. — Quietude in the most comfortable position, usually lying bent upon the side. A capsicum plaster is very beneficial. The treatment given under back-ache should be employed. Sprains rarely confine a person to the bed more than two or three days, though occasionally they are obstinate in yielding to treatment when the ligaments are involved.
[1] Capsaicin-based liniments irritate the skin which supposedly relieves pain. The efficacy of other
rubefacients is not
proven.