Some of our patients frequently ask us “What is the lumbago?” To tell you the truth its much simpler than it sounds. Lower back pain, or lumbago, is a common problem that affects millions of people worldwide. It can be caused by various factors, including poor posture, obesity, muscle strain or sprain, herniated disc, and degenerative disc disease. Lower back pain can be a severe and persistent problem that can significantly affect an individual’s quality of life. In this article, we will explore everything you need to know about lumbago, including its meaning, symptoms, causes, and treatment options.
What is the Difference Between Low Back Pain and Lumbago?
The two terms are used almost interchangeably. Lumbago, also known as lower back pain, refers to pain and discomfort in the lower back area. It is a broad term and most doctors prefer to use more specific diagnoses after examining their patients. It can affect people of all ages and can be caused by various factors. Lumbago is a common problem, with research indicating that up to 80% of people will experience lower back pain at some point in their lives.
What Causes Lumbago?
Lumbago can be caused by various factors, including:
Sports Injuries: Sports injuries, such as muscle strains or sprains in the lower back, can lead to the development of lumbago.
Auto Accidents: Car accidents can cause trauma to your low back and damage the discs, muscles, and ligaments.
Poor Posture: Poor posture can put undue stress on the muscles and bones in the lower back, leading to pain and discomfort.
Obesity: Excess weight can put pressure on the lower back, leading to lumbago.
Muscle Strain or Sprain: Muscle strain or sprain can occur due to lifting heavy objects or sudden movements, leading to lower back pain.
Herniated Disc: A herniated disc can cause lower back pain, as the pressure from the disc can cause nerve irritation and inflammation.
Degenerative Disc Disease: As people age, the discs in the spine can degenerate, leading to lower back pain.
How Common is Lumbago?
Lumbago is a common problem, with research indicating that up to 80% of people will experience lower back pain at some point in their lives. It is the most common cause of disability worldwide, with more than 540 million people affected globally.
What Are Symptoms of Lumbago?
Various symptoms could be presented, including:
Acute Symptoms
Acute lumbago is sudden and severe lower back pain that lasts for a short period. The symptoms of acute can include:
- Pain that worsens with movement
- Stiffness in the lower back
- Difficulty standing or sitting for extended periods
- Difficulty bending or twisting
Chronic Symptoms
Chronic lumbago is persistent lower back pain that lasts for more than three months. The symptoms of chronic can include:
- Pain that comes and goes
- Stiffness in the lower back
- Muscle spasms
- Numbness or tingling in the legs
Sciatica Symptoms
Lumbago with sciatica occurs when the pain in the lower back spreads to the legs. These symptoms of can include:
- Pain that radiates from the lower back to the legs
- Numbness or tingling in the legs
- Weakness in the legs
- Difficulty standing or walking
There are various treatment options for lumbago, depending on the underlying cause and severity of the symptoms. These include:
Treatment Options for Lumbago
Rest and Exercise: Resting and avoiding activities that aggravate the symptoms can help alleviate pain and discomfort. Additionally, exercises that strengthen the muscles in the lower back can help prevent future episodes of lumbago.
Pain Relief Medication: Over-the-counter pain relief medication, such as ibuprofen, can help alleviate pain and inflammation. In more severe cases, prescription pain medication may be necessary.
Regenerative Medicine: Regenerative medicine has shown promise in treating lumbago by using the body’s natural healing process to regenerate damaged tissue.
Stem cell therapy is a regenerative medicine approach that has been used to treat degenerative disc disease, a common cause of lumbago.
Platelet-rich plasma therapy is another regenerative medicine approach that has been used to treat lumbago by injecting a concentrated solution of the patient’s own platelets into the affected area to promote healing.
Physical Therapy: Physical therapy can help alleviate low back pain symptoms by strengthening the muscles in the lower back and improving flexibility. A physical therapist can also teach exercises that can be done at home to help manage lumbago symptoms.
Massage Therapy: Massage therapy can help alleviate pain and stiffness associated with lumbago by improving blood flow and reducing muscle tension.
Surgery: In rare cases, surgery may be necessary to alleviate lower back pain symptoms. Surgery may be necessary if the underlying cause of lumbago is a herniated disc or spinal stenosis.
How To Prevent Lumbago
Preventing low back pain can be achieved by:
Maintaining Good Posture: Maintaining good posture can help prevent lumbago by reducing the stress on the muscles and bones in the lower back. When standing, ensure that the shoulders are back, the chin is tucked in, and the feet are shoulder-width apart.
Regular Exercise: Regular exercise can help prevent low back pain by strengthening the muscles in the lower back and improving flexibility.
Proper Lifting Techniques: Proper lifting techniques can help prevent lower back pain by reducing the strain on the lower back. When lifting heavy objects, ensure that the knees are bent, and the object is lifted with the legs and not the back.
Maintaining a Healthy Weight: Maintaining a healthy weight can help prevent by reducing the stress on the lower back.
In Conclusion
In conclusion, lower back pain, is a common problem that is caused by various factors. Lumbago can present with various symptoms, including acute, chronic, and with sciatica. Treatment options for low back pain include rest and exercise, pain relief medication, regenerative medicine, physical therapy, massage therapy, and surgery. If you are experiencing lumbago symptoms, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause and develop an effective treatment plan.
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