Lumbago - what is it? Causes, symptoms, and management
Back pain is a common issue increasingly affecting younger people, largely due to sedentary lifestyles and excess body weight. One of the most frequent conditions causing sharp lower back pain is lumbago - often called a “back spasm” - which can strike suddenly. What exactly is lumbago? What home remedies help with a back spasm? How does lumbago pain feel, and what treatments are effective?
Table of contents
- What is lumbago?
- Sciatica vs. lumbago
- Causes of a lumbago attack
- How long does lumbago last, and how to recognize it?
- Symptoms of lumbago
- Effective management and diagnosis of lumbago
- How to treat lumbago? Proven therapy methods
- Home remedies for lumbago - how to ease back pain?
- Preventing lumbago - spine care and prevention
- Key facts about back spasms
What is lumbago?
Lumbago, also known as a back spasm or heksenszus, is a sharp, stabbing pain in the lower back. It’s a set of symptoms that limits mobility and affects about 80% of people at least once in their lifetime.
Lumbago causes such severe back pain that walking can become impossible, typically due to muscle spasms. This sudden, intense pain in the lower back is unpredictable and hence often called a “back spasm.”
Rheumatic lumbago usually affects people aged 30 to 55 and worsens with walking, bending, or lifting. Though it often resolves on its own within days or weeks, concerning symptoms should not be ignored because of the risk of serious complications.
Sciatica vs. lumbago
Lumbago is frequently confused with sciatica because their symptoms can be similar. However, it’s important to understand that these are two distinct conditions. Sciatica results from irritation of the sciatic nerve, causing pain that radiates from the lower back down to the buttocks and leg. In contrast, lumbago pain is generally localized.
Sciatica may also cause tingling, numbness, and sometimes partial loss of sensation, which can last a long time.
Causes of a lumbago attack
The exact cause of lumbago isn’t fully understood, but mechanical pain and strain on the spine are considered the main triggers. This includes excessive loading or sudden displacement of intervertebral discs into the spinal canal, potentially compressing nerve structures.
People who are overweight, obese, or lead sedentary lives are at higher risk. Increased muscle tension and minor injuries in the lumbar-sacral area can also contribute to lower back pain just above the buttocks.
Poor posture during daily activities, minor trauma, nerve irritation, or muscle strain can also cause lumbago. Even a sudden bend, strong cough, long hours of driving, or abrupt changes in posture can trigger the pain.
How long does lumbago last, and how to recognize it?
Lumbago is an unexpected, intense pain in the lower back. It can develop due to unhealthy daily habits, affecting the lumbar-sacral spine region.
The duration varies depending on muscle spasm intensity, underlying cause, and individual nervous system sensitivity, ranging from a few days to several weeks. Symptoms usually improve gradually, and proper care and adherence to medical advice can help shorten the episode.
Symptoms of lumbago
A back spasm can interfere with daily life and tasks. The severity and duration of symptoms depend on the cause but often include:
- sudden, sharp, burning pain in the lower back
- limited mobility in the lumbar spine
- muscle spasms
- restricted range of motion and difficulty moving
- swelling near the lower back
- discomfort while standing or sitting
- localized stiffness of the paraspinal muscles
Effective management and diagnosis of lumbago
Back pain from lumbago often worsens with activity, bending, position changes, and in the evening. If symptoms are accompanied by fever, diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, or general weakness, it’s important to see a specialist for thorough evaluation, as these may indicate an internal condition rather than rheumatic lumbago.
Besides patient history and physical examination, imaging tests like CT scans, MRIs, X-rays, and blood tests can assist diagnosis. However, short-term lumbago might not show in lab or imaging tests, so extensive diagnostics are usually reserved for chronic cases lasting more than 2 - 3 months.
How to treat lumbago? Proven therapy methods
Lumbago symptoms often subside within days. Doctors typically recommend rest and avoiding positions that strain the lower back, limiting bending, standing or sitting for long periods, and heavy lifting.
Treatment targets both symptoms and causes, often involving pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs, and sometimes muscle relaxants to reduce muscle and nerve tension.
Physiotherapy, including relaxing massages and exercises to strengthen the lower back and improve spinal flexibility, is highly recommended. Manual therapy can also help relieve pain.
Home remedies for lumbago - how to ease back pain?
In addition to medical treatment, various home remedies can support recovery by reducing pain and shortening symptom duration.
Both hot and cold compresses can be effective, as well as warming or cooling packs. Natural ointments containing capsaicin, essential oils, or menthol may provide relief. Warm baths and gentle home massages can also help relax muscles.
Maintaining proper posture to avoid strain and ensuring comfortable sleep positions - preferably lying on the back with a slightly elevated head and a pillow under the knees - is important. Sleeping on the stomach is discouraged as it can put extra stress on the spine. Acupressure mats and cabbage leaf compresses can also be beneficial.
Diet plays a role, too. An anti-inflammatory diet rich in fresh vegetables, fruits, legumes, whole grains, fish, lean meats, plant oils, nuts, seeds, and low-fat dairy may help reduce back pain. Supplements and herbs like turmeric, ginger, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, sage, and lemon balm can also be useful.
Preventing lumbago - spine care and prevention
Preventive measures can lower the risk of future lumbago attacks. Maintaining ergonomic habits during work and daily activities is essential. Avoid sudden trunk twists and prolonged bending, and limit heavy lifting while using proper body mechanics.
Regular physical activity focused on strengthening and increasing flexibility in the lumbar spine reduces the likelihood of pain episodes.
Those struggling with excess weight should work on fat reduction, as obesity negatively affects spinal health. An anti-inflammatory diet, as mentioned earlier, supports overall joint and spine condition.
Key facts about back spasms
Lumbago, or back spasm, is an unpredictable, sudden pain in the lower back with various causes. It typically lasts from several days to weeks and includes muscle spasms and limited movement. Rest and physiotherapy are usually recommended to ease symptoms. Preventive actions such as ergonomic care, regular exercise, a healthy diet, and supplements can help avoid recurrence.
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