Diagnosis

Violent pain of a rheumatic character in the small of the back and loins, either periodical or permanent, and sometimes accompanied with fever. It is frequently produced by cold or strain, and may come on suddenly, without a moment's warning, on suddenly rising from a stooping posture, and cause the most excruciating pain at every attempt to turn, or on the slightest motion. This kind of rheumatic pain often affects the neck, producing what is called kink or crick in the neck.

Treatment

Aconite is the prominent remedy in the commencement of the disease where considerable fever is present.

Dose

Two drops, or twelve globules, in a tumbler of water, a tablespoonful once in two or three hours, or three globules on the tongue at the same intervals. 13*

Bryonia

Severe aching or darting pain in the back, causing the patient to walk in a stooping posture, aggravated by the slightest motion, or a draught of cold air, and sometimes attended with a sensation of chilliness.

Dose

Same as Aconite.

Rhus

Pains of a shooting or dragging character; severe aching, as from a sprain or bruise; sensation of stiffness or tension in the affected part on movement; pain aggravated by rest. A prominent remedy in cases of long standing, and frequently indicated after, or in alternation with Bryonia.

Dose

Same as Aconite.

Belladonna

Deep-seated pains, producing a sensation of heaviness, gnawing or stiffness.

Dose

Same as Aconite, and frequently in alternation with that remedy.

Nux-Vomica

A valuable remedy in obstinate cases. Pains increased by motion and turning in bed at night, and attended with weakness; pains resembling those produced by a bruise or fatigue; irritable temper and constipation.

Dose

A powder, or three globules, once in four or six hours.

Pulsatilla

Particularly useful in females, or individuals of mild, sensitive, or phlegmatic temperament. Pains resembling those mentioned under the head of Nux) but producing a sensation of constriction in the affected parts.

Dose

Same as Aconite, Give once in four or six hours.

Mercurius

Pains resembling those indicating Nux, but aggravated at night.

Dose

Same as Nux. Where the affection is of long duration, the above remedies may be given at longer intervals.