Lumbago refers to a condition causing pain or discomfort in the lower back area. Often, the term is used interchangeably for low back pain. The intensity of pain in Lumbago can either be mild or severe and the condition may last for a few days or can continue even for months. In the majority of cases, the pain also radiates down to the pelvis as well as upper legs.
Mainly, Lumbago can be classified into three stages:
- Acute Lumbago: In this stage, the pain lasts for about three to four weeks. The condition may cause mild discomfort and difficulty in performing daily chores.
- Sub-Acute Lumbago: This stage persists for more than four weeks till about three months. It is important to visit an orthopedic physician to treat Lumbago at this stage before it deteriorates further.
- Chronic Lumbago: Low back pain that lingers on for more than three months can be termed as chronic. It can be caused due to multiple conditions and may require a thorough treatment plan to be cured completely.
Causes
- Muscle, ligament, or tendon injury
- Lifting heavyweights
- Overstressing the body
- Poor posture
- Excessive weight
- Skeletal damage
- Joint damage
- Pregnancy
- Herniated discs
- Spinal Arthritis
- Spinal Stenosis
- Scoliosis
- Spinal Tumor
- Gynecological Problems
Symptoms
- Mild or severe pain in the lower back that may radiate to the back of the thigh, buttocks, and the groin area
- Pain increases while moving or bending
- Postural changes, the patient may slant to one side
- Muscle spasms in the spine
- A tingling and numbing sensation in the back, legs, and buttocks Curvature in the spine
Treatment
Rest: Taking proper rest is very effective to treat acute Lumbago. This allows the stressed muscles to relax and restore their normal range of motion. However, resting for more than a few days may lead to the weakening of the muscles and aggravate the pain.
Heat and ice packs: Applying ice or hot packs also helps to reduce inflammation in the lower back.
Medications: The orthopedic doctor may also prescribe certain over the counter anti-inflammatory medications to reduce pain.
Exercises: Certain stretching and strengthening exercises can also help to increase the flexibility of the spine, thus, reducing the chances of pain. Surgery may be recommended as a treatment option only in severe or chronic Lumbago.
OrthoTexas provides surgical as well as non-surgical treatment for all stages of Lumbago.