Lumbago

Lumbago is a collective term for acute low back pain. People experience lumbago as a sudden stabbing pain in the lower back. In medical terms it is also referred to as acute lumbago or lumbalgia. This literally means 'lower back pain'.

What causes lumbago?

Lumbago is the result of small tears in an intervertebral disc. Intervertebral discs are the elastic pads that sit between the bones of the spine.

The small tears trigger a sudden excessive contraction (spasm) of the deep muscles in the lower back. The body initiates this contraction itself to prevent worse injury. It is therefore a defense mechanism.

Lumbago is almost always an acute complaint and can arise, for example, when making a wrong movement such as bending, lifting, or twisting.

The small tears in the wall of the intervertebral disc are generally signs of aging or reduced tissue quality. However, other causes can also be identified:

• Overuse of the lower back (work activities/posture).
• Stress (private/work).
• Sudden movement (bending or twisting movements).
• Poor physical condition or insufficient physical activity.
• Presence of a herniated disc in the lower back.
• Presence of specific conditions in the back, for example ankylosing spondylitis, osteoporosis, or cancer.

What are the characteristics (symptoms) of lumbago?

As mentioned, lumbago involves spasm of the deep lower back muscles. This causes a sudden and very severe stab of pain in the lower back. Because of this spasm, movements of the lower back are severely limited.

Initially, the pain is felt very locally in the lower back. Over time, it may shift to the left and/or right side of the back. It can also happen that in the short period after lumbago the back feels unstable.

How is the diagnosis of lumbago made?

Lumbago is not a condition in itself but a collective term for acute low back pain. The examination by the doctor or physical therapist will therefore be aimed mainly at ruling out other injuries in the lower back, for example a herniated disc.

How is lumbago treated?

In most cases, lumbago resolves on its own. It is important to keep moving a lot. Think mainly of walking and exercises to keep the back flexible. To reduce the pain in these first weeks, the doctor can prescribe medications.

Although the complaints of lumbago subside on their own, the cause of the problem is of course not gone. To prevent complaints in the longer term, you will need to work on strengthening the core muscles or making adjustments in the workplace. A physical therapist can provide excellent guidance.