Understanding Lumbago - Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments
Lumbago refers to pain felt in the lower back. It is a non-medical term used to describe mild to severe back pain affecting the lumbar region. While most episodes of lumbago resolve on their own, recurring or worsening pain should be evaluated to identify any underlying causes requiring treatment.
Symptoms of Lumbago
The primary symptom of lumbago is pain, stiffness, and tenderness in the lower back around the lumbar spine area. It can range from a mild ache to severe debilitating pain. Additional symptoms may include:
- Difficulty standing up straight or walking normally
- Sharp pain when bending, twisting, lifting, or standing
- Muscle spasms in the lower back
- Pain radiating into the buttocks or legs
- Pain that improves with rest
The exact location, severity, triggers, and duration of pain can help identify the cause and appropriate treatments for lumbago.
What Causes Lumbago?
There are many potential causes of lower back pain described as lumbago. Common causes include:
- Muscle strains - Overuse and injuries from heavy lifting, twisting, sports
- Bulging discs - Ruptured or herniated discs putting pressure on nerves
- Spinal stenosis - Narrowing of the spinal column compressing nerves
- Arthritis - Osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis affecting spinal bones and joints
- Spondylolisthesis - Vertebrae slipping out of position and compressing nerves
Less common sources of lumbago include spinal infections, tumors, fractures, and anatomical abnormalities. Obesity and poor posture also increase strain on the back leading to pain.
When to See a Doctor
Mild lumbago often resolves with rest, over-the-counter medication, and home treatment. However, see a doctor promptly if you experience:
- Severe back pain lasting over 1 week
- Pain radiating down the legs
- Numbness or tingling in legs or feet
- Loss of bowel or bladder control
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fever indicating possible infection
- Prior history of cancer
- Recent trauma such as a fall or accident
Seeking prompt medical care is crucial for identifying any serious underlying conditions requiring specific treatment.
Diagnosing the Cause of Lumbago
To determine the source of lower back pain described as lumbago, doctors utilize:
Medical History
Doctors will ask about your symptoms, pain triggers, lifestyle, prior injuries, family history, and other health conditions. This provides key clues to the origin of the back pain.
Physical Exam
An exam assesses factors like posture and alignment, range of motion, areas of tenderness, muscle strength and tone, balance and coordination, and neurological function.
Imaging Tests
Tests like x-rays, CT scans, and MRIs provide pictures of the spine to identify problems like slipped discs, fractures, bone spurs, tumors, infections, and nerve impingement.
Other Tests
Electromyography can assess nerve dysfunction. Blood tests help detect inflammatory arthritis or infections. Doctors may also analyze urine or do a spinal tap to rule out serious conditions.
Based on a thorough evaluation, an accurate diagnosis can be made to match treatment to the cause of lumbago.
Treatments for Lumbago Back Pain
Relieving acute flare ups of lumbago as well as preventing recurrence involves a multifaceted treatment approach including:
Home Remedies and Lifestyle Changes
Gentle stretching, heat/ice application, OTC pain relievers, massage, and rest can ease lumbago pain. Weight loss, posture correction, proper lifting mechanics, and activity modification reduce strain on the back.
Medications
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs), muscle relaxants, and targeted injections provide pain relief. Steroids and antibiotics may be used for spinal infections. Medication can also treat underlying arthritis, osteoporosis, and nerve conditions.
Physical Therapy
Supervised stretching, core strengthening exercises, ultrasound, and manipulation performed by a physical therapist improve recovery. Aerobic conditioning and yoga build back muscle endurance.
Spinal Injections
Epidural steroid injections around affected nerves or joints can alleviate lumbago. Other compounds like hyaluronic acid are also sometimes injected to promote healing.
Surgery
If more conservative treatments fail, surgery may be warranted to remove, repair, or decompress damaged discs or vertebrae contributing to stubborn lumbago.
Alternative Therapies
Options like chiropractic, massage, acupuncture, TENS therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy help some patients manage back pain symptoms and prevention.
An integrative plan combining medical care, lifestyle changes, physical rehabilitation, and pain management techniques often provides optimal relief of lumbago.
Causes of Chronic Lumbago
While lumbago often stems from muscular strains and overuse, severe or recurring lower back pain can result from multiple structural sources including:
Herniated Discs
Discs cushioning the vertebrae can bulge or rupture, pressing on nearby nerves. This typically causes severe sciatica-like pain down the leg.
Degenerative Disc Disease
Wear and tear on the discs from aging or injury can lead to degeneration, causing stiffness and nerve compression.
Spinal Stenosis
Narrowing of the spinal canal due to arthritis, bone spurs, or disc protrusions pinches spinal nerves.
Spondylolisthesis
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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