Lumbago refers to chronic lower back pain, which often results in painful symptoms. Low back pain affects millions of Americans every year, making it a common cause of muscle aches. The term lumbago may not be familiar to most people, but chronic lower back pain certainly does.
Throughout this lumbago article, one can learn the symptoms of low back pain and available treatments for these symptoms. Acute low back pain is entirely fixable, but it requires one to know what causes lumbago in the first place.
Is Lumbago a Real Disease?
While not often used as the term "low back pain," lumbago is a real disease with painful symptoms. Lumbago is used as a general catch-all term for lower back problems, such as spine discomfort or a misplaced spinal disc. Up to three million Americans suffer low back pain, which makes lumbago one of the leading causes of loss of comfort. If one has lower back pain, chances are lumbago might be a cause.
Symptoms of Lumbago
There are several low back pain symptoms due to lumbago; it mainly affects the spine, muscles, nerves, and joints within the lower back areas. Common symptoms include spinal discomfort in the lower back, muscle spasms, tingling sensation, spinal curvature, general lower back pain, and stiffness in the spine. Not all of the symptoms have to be present in lumbago.
Low back pain does have available treatment options, but it depends on the specific cause for spinal problems. If one suffers from lower back pain, they should find out the lead cause.
What is The Cause of Lumbago?
Most people believe lumbago is caused by an underlying illness, but it's not always the case. All it may take is an injury from either a sprain or a strain in the muscles. There are several ways one would cause acute muscle tension. Even stress can cause back pain to flare up. More often than not, one must find common causes to diagnose lumbago properly. From a muscle injury to improper movement, lumbago may happen through several causes. It turns out lower back pain may be preventable if one takes precautions beforehand. Here are the more common reasons patients suffer from severe low back pain.
Cause #1 - Improper Movement
Lumbago may be a result of excessive movement in the spinal area. When a person suddenly lifts a heavy object, they can feel it in their lower back muscles. Tension builds up, which puts a strain on the spinal areas. Lift a heavy object too quickly, and spinal issues can occur.
Cause #2 - Lack of Regular Exercises
Inactive movement is a critical factor in some instances of lumbago. Active bodies require daily exercise to keep the muscles and bones healthy. Without stretches or muscle strength improvements, the body is prone to potential strains. Exercise also allows one to keep their spinal alignment straight since proper workouts need the correct position.
Cause #3 - Uncomfortable Posture
One of the more common causes of lumbago is spinal disorientation. For example, remote workers or live streamers tend to sit in a chair for several hours. However, when someone slouches or hunches their back, it puts extra pressure on their spinal region. Lumbago takes hold over a certain length of time since incorrect postures are detrimental to the spine.
Cause #4 - Muscle Injury
A muscle may be a potential cause of lumbago in patients. In a previous example, one might suddenly lift a heavy object. Too much strain on the joints and muscles cause them to weaken. As a result, injury is likely to occur, which is a significant risk factor for lumbago.
Cause #5 - A Dislocated Disc
Another potential risk for lumbago lies within a herniated disc. It can happen due to excessive force against the spine or natural degradation throughout the years. Due to the painful nerve endings on the spine, lower back pain may prove intolerable. Lumbago disc herniation is typically common among those with injuries to the spine.
Who Can Get Lumbago?
It's important to note anybody can get lumbago at any specific time. Older people may be susceptible due to their deteriorating bodies, but younger generations are also within the target demographic. No matter the cause, all it takes is sudden muscle strains and repetitive back motions. Those with underlying spinal conditions are also prone, such as those with obesity and spinal stenosis.
Can Lumbago Be Cured?
Lumbago is a curable disease, as long as one takes the necessary procedures. Treatment can be used to mitigate the effects of lumbago, but it takes time; those with spinal discomfort can seek help with various treatment options. One should consult a doctor to look for specific solutions to lumbago.
Treatment Options
Since everybody is built differently, patients should heed advice from their physicians. They need a plan dedicated to their specific needs. Lumbago can be problematic for daily activities, but treatment options can help; these range from self-care to medical provisions.
Lumbago Treatment #1 - Lumbar Support
The term "lumbar" refers to the lower back, where the name "lumbago" comes from. If one sits in a chair for several hours a day, they should consider ergonomics. One should consider their work environment and how to make themselves more comfortable. In any case, ergonomic chairs are used for this purpose.
Ergonomic chairs can reduce low back pain thanks to lumbar technology. It's a common term for back support, which ergonomic chairs provide their patients. The lower part of the chair has cushions that straighten the spinal area. One can enjoy comfort, all while correcting their posture.
Lumbago Treatment #2 - Medicine
Medical treatment may help with chronic pain in the lower back. Back pain medicine can help get rid of these problems within a few weeks to a month. However, patients should consult physicians before taking a particular medicine. Only in serious cases should one consider surgery, but only after all other treatments fail.
Lumbago Treatment #3 - Self Care
Lumbago may negatively affect daily functions, such as lifting objects or standing up. However, self-care goes a long way to ensure comfort. Consider easing body tension with plenty of rest. Short rests are helpful, mainly to prevent one from standing up all day. However, they need to be quick since long-term rest can lead to further complications.
One should be mindful of their daily activities. Sit up straight whenever on a chair and avoid incorrect posture. Stretches can also relax the muscles while staying in shape. By doing so, injuries are less likely to occur since there are fewer strains on the body. Movement is an excellent way to manage one's body.
Is Lumbago the Same as Sciatica?
People may often associate lumbago with sciatica, a term that refers to lower back pain caused by nerve damage. There is an important difference between the two chronic illnesses, however. Lumbago generalizes low back pain, while sciatica also negatively affects the legs.
One of the major causes of sciatica is a herniated disc in the spine, which places a ton of pressure on the nerve. A herniated disc causes a fragment of itself to push outside the spine, which may be considerably painful. Like lumbago, sciatica is also common among American people; more than three million may be affected by chronic symptoms of low back pain.
Sciatica is nerve damage that also reaches down the legs of its patients. There is a consistent burn sensation within the leg, caused by the nerves. One may also experience numbness within their leg or legs. Chronic symptoms can range from mild to severe. Low back pain and leg nerve damage require medical attention to prevent the loss of mobility. Movement loss is one of the other sciatica symptoms since there is muscle strain caused by acute leg pain.
Common Ways to Deal With Sciatica
As with lumbago, one can also find medical assistance for sciatica. A herniated disc in the lower back requires physical therapy, medicine, or surgery on severe occasions. Meanwhile, one must deal with the symptoms of leg pain. Acute leg tension is caused by nerve damage, so one can apply an ice pack to soothe these symptoms.
Lumbago In Summary
One can find themselves in a predicament with lumbago, but it's an entirely treatable condition. The term lumbago refers to low back pain, but it can also apply to the muscles and the spine. While not used as a common term, lumbago is a real disease.
Lumbago is a common occurrence caused by several factors, which include improper spinal alignment, acute muscle tension, and uncomfortable positions. If left untreated, lumbago can lead to more severe chronic pain, which adversely affects the spine.
It's important to find out what might cause these issues. An appointment with a local physician can clear up any misconceptions. Patients may consider treatment options such as medicine to alleviate low back pain. Self-care is also important, so one should be mindful not to aggravate themselves with forceful exertion. Lumbago is definitely curable, but it takes time and patience. If problems persist after treatment, consult a medical professional that specializes in backs for further advice.