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 is the cause of lumbago?

Lumbago is the result of small tears in an intervertebral disc. Intervertebral discs are the elastic discs between the vertebrae.

The small tears cause a sudden excessive contraction (spasm) of the deep muscles in the lower back. This contraction is triggered by the body itself to prevent the damage from getting worse. It is therefore a defence mechanism.

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

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

• Overuse of the lower back (work/posture).
• Stress (private/work).
• Sudden movement (bending or twisting movements).
• Poor physical condition or insufficient exercise.
• 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, there is spasm of the deep lower back muscles in lumbago. This causes a sudden and very severe pain in the lower back. Because of this spasm, moving the lower back is severely limited.

Initially, the pain is felt very locally in the lower back. This can, over time, move to the left and/or right side of the back. It can also occur that, in the period after lumbago, the back feels unstable.

How is the diagnosis lumbago made?

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

How is lumbago treated?

In most cases, lumbago resolves on its own. For this, it is important to keep moving a lot. Think mainly of walking and exercises to keep the back supple. To reduce the pain in these first weeks, the GP can prescribe medication.

Although the complaints of lumbago resolve on their own, the cause of the problem is of course not gone. To prevent complaints in the longer term, the core muscles must be strengthened or adjustments made in the workplace. A physiotherapist can provide excellent guidance.