Lumbago
What is called a lumbago?
Lumbar spasm is a shooting pain in the lower back, around the sacrum, which is accompanied by a sharp reflex tensing of the thick back muscle that runs along the lumbar spine. The word "lumbago" itself is a medical term of Latin origin, meaning pain in the lower back. It is one of the most common musculoskeletal complaints, affecting one in three people in their lifetime.
Dr. Flórián Szeles
Rheumatologist general practitioner
What are the possible causes of lumbago?
The most common cause of lumbar strain is physical strain on the spine. This can be caused by playing sports, hard physical work or even just a wrong movement. However, lumbar spondylolisthesis is also often caused by a degenerative, abrasive lesion, typically after the age of 50. In older age, the bones, cartilage, joints and muscles may become weaker and lower back pain may occur more easily. In young people, lumbar sprains are usually caused by a muscle strain or some other injury. Some developmental disorders, such as scoliosis, also predispose to lumbar hernia. It is important to know that low back pain can recur in those who are prone to it, and can even be caused by psychological factors, such as stress, anxiety or overwork.
Less commonly, other, more serious musculoskeletal conditions may cause lumbago or lumbago-like lower back pain. This may be indicated by the presence of prolonged, chronic low back pain, as well as any accompanying symptoms (e.g. fever, numbness, loss of sensation, urinary problems, abdominal pain, weight loss). In such cases, a specialist should be consulted as soon as possible to make an accurate diagnosis and start treatment.
Dr. Éva Bordán
Rheumatologist general practitioner
When should you see a specialist?
In the case of a lumbar hernia, it is not always appropriate to see a specialist immediately. If the severity and duration of the pain does not warrant specialist care, it can be treated at home. It is worth seeing a doctor if the low back pain resolves within 3 days after relief with ordinary painkillers and/or ointments and is not accompanied by other symptoms.
Consult an orthopaedic spine specialist or rheumatologist as soon as possible if you notice any of the following symptoms:
- the lumbago returns within 2 months,
- pain is always increased in certain positions,
- the pain does not go away, it is constant, regardless of the position of the body,
- pain radiates to the lower limbs,
- weakness, numbness, loss of sensation in the limb,
- problems passing stools or urine,
- experience abdominal pain,
- catches a cold,
- severe pain caused by an accident or a blow,
- for known cancer,
- for osteoporosis,
- the pain is accompanied by undue weight loss,
- the pain increases with steroid treatment.
Types of lumbago
There are basically two types of lumbago: acute lumbagowhen the first onset of low back pain was no more than a month ago, chronic lumbagowhen the complaints started more than 3 months ago.
Misconceptions about lumbago
„Lumbago is a disease of the elderly” - It is true that the likelihood of lumbar spondylolisthesis increases with age, but it is a common problem in young people. The severe low back pain associated with lumbago can have a number of causes, including age-related cartilage damage or sudden, pronounced strain on the spinal column. People at risk include athletes, people doing heavy physical work and even sedentary workers.
„The lumbago must be laid out” - The severe pain associated with a lumbago often causes reduced mobility, possibly even immobility. In such cases, rest is indeed recommended at first to relieve the spinal column. However, continuous lying for several days, or even weeks, is not recommended as it can cause muscle weakness and further musculoskeletal problems. After a short period of rest, it is preferable to treat the painful area with movement therapy. If the situation does not improve in a few days, a visit to a rheumatologist or orthopaedic specialist is recommended.
„Lumbago is not curable” - First of all, it should be made clear that lumbago is not a disease, but a complaint. The root cause needs to be found and treated so that it can be cured. People prone to lumbago need to pay more attention to themselves if they want to avoid the pain returning, but this can be done with a little effort.
„The lumbago needs surgery” - A lumbar hernia does not in itself warrant surgery. If there is a more serious underlying condition, such as a herniated disc or spinal stenosis, surgery may be considered. This is the case in up to 5% of lumbago cases. However, in the majority of our patients, conservative therapy can bring a cure before surgery.
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Rheumatologist specialist
Investigating the lumbago
Investigating a lumbago a rheumatologist and an orthopaedic specialist. The Budapest Musculoskeletal Private Clinic has specialised patient journey protocol have been developed to ensure thorough investigation and effective, targeted therapies.
Our mission is to help our patients regain their freedom of movement as soon as possible, and to permanently and long term relief from painful complaints.
An ordinary lumbago can be caused by a serious musculoskeletal condition - to find out what is causing the pain, it is always advisable to identify the cause and make a diagnosis. In its absence, only symptomatic treatment is possible.
Building blocks for a successful investigation based on the BMM patient journey protocol:
- The medical history is half the diagnosis, and many diseases can be ruled out by detailed questioning.
- A thorough physical examination by a specialist. On the basis of the physical examination, a specialist will determine the need for any diagnostic imaging tests:
- X-ray examination can confirm bony lesions. X-rays are usually taken of the spine, hip joints, knees and feet. This is often necessary for isolating diagnostic purposes.
- The condition of the soft tissues, discs, articular cartilage, muscles and tendons is accurately assessed by the radiograph.
- In some cases, a CT (computer tomography) or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan is also needed to make an accurate diagnosis.
- In the case of nerve involvement, neurophysiological testing, ENG or EMG is required to determine the extent of suspected nerve damage.
Diagnostic imaging tests can help to visualise and measure anatomical structural changes and reveal the true cause of the complaint.
Neuroconductive neurophysiological examinations (ENG/EMG) are available at BMM's clinics in Pest and Óbuda. The necessary X-ray, ultrasound, CT and MRI examinations are provided by our partner institutions at an external location for an additional fee.
- Based on the medical history, physical examination and imaging diagnostics, the specialist makes an accurate diagnosis.
- A personalised treatment plan is drawn up. We accompany our patients all the way to recovery!
The key to success is doctor-patient cooperation and trust!
Treatment of acute lumbago
For acute lumbar sprains that are not too painful - if the pain is not accidental - home treatment is often sufficient. Spinal manipulation, painkillers, muscle-relaxing ointments, perhaps some gentle stretching exercises and gentle massage are recommended. If after 3 days there is no noticeable improvement, or even a worsening of the condition, a specialist examination and treatment cannot be avoided.
The treatment of acute lumbago is aimed at relieving muscle tension and restoring mobility. For severe, debilitating lower back pain, your specialist may recommend steroid pain and anti-inflammatory injections. In addition to medication, movement therapy plays a major role in recovery: personalised individual physiotherapy, manual therapy, therapeutic massage and physiotherapy treatments (ultrasound, laser therapy) help against lumbago.
Treatment of chronic lumbago
Recurrent or chronic lumbago is usually less intense, but in the long term it can have a significant impact on quality of life. If your back pain does not go away in 3 months or returns regularly, it is always worth investigating the underlying cause. For an accurate diagnosis orthopaedic spine specialist or rheumatologist is recommended. The treatment plan for chronic lumbago is tailored by the specialist based on the examination. Most often, anti-inflammatory medication is used, medical collagen therapy, laser therapy, ultrasound treatment, TENS electrotherapy, manual therapy, individual physiotherapy and therapeutic massage a combination of treatments will bring the solution in the long term.
Surgical intervention is only necessary in a minority of cases when a particularly serious disease (e.g. spinal tumour, herniated disc herniation) is confirmed as the cause of the pain.
How to prevent lumbago?
Lumbar spondylolisthesis can occur at almost any time and in anyone, but with a little care the risk of developing it can be reduced. The older age group is the main group at risk, but athletes, people with heavy physical work and office workers are also at higher risk of lumbar spondylolisthesis than average. The first step in prevention is to eliminate predisposing factors.
Lifestyle factors that predispose to lumbago:
- a sedentary lifestyle,
- smoking,
- overweight,
- unhealthy diet,
- wearing high heels,
- prolonged incorrect posture.
Lumbago is less likely to occur if the muscles and bones are healthy. For those prone to lumbago, it is worth seeking the help of a physiotherapist to practise and learn correct posture and lifting technique and apply this on a daily basis. Include in the diet foods high in calcium, magnesium and vitamin D, which help to keep bones and muscles healthy.
Common complaints treated by specialists at the Spine Centre
- back pain
- back pain
- scoliosis
- nerve pinching
- back pain
- neck pain
- stiff neck - neck stiffness
- osteoporosis
- back pain
- spinal stenosis
- back pain
- pain in the lumbar spine
- pain in the buttocks
- neglect
- sacral pain
- shoulder blade pain
- morning backache
- pain in the back of the neck