Lumbago/Low Back Pain
A common, painful condition affecting the lower portion of the spine.
Low back pain is caused by injury to a muscle (strain) or ligament (sprain). Common causes include improper lifting, poor posture, lack of regular exercise, a fracture, a ruptured disc or arthritis.
SYMPTOMS:
- Pain that’s located in the lumbar area of the spine is the primary symptom. Typically, this pain includes lower back stiffness, muscle tension and achiness. In the worst cases, mobility can be compromised.
- The pain is localized, meaning that it’s confined to a small area.
- Restricted movement of the spine can be a symptom, such as when you try to bend over or lean backwards.
- Another indication of lumbago can be pain felt in the lower portion of the back that can spread out into the buttock, the groin or to the back of the thigh.
- If the pain includes numbness in the buttocks, back or leg, along with a tingling feeling that radiates down the leg to the foot, it is known as sciatica. This occurs when the sciatic nerve is irritated.
- Swelling or inflammation of the back or leg can be a warning sign.
- Lower back pain when you sneeze or cough can also suggest lumbago.
Causes of Lumbago
Sometimes, the cause of lumbago is hard to pinpoint, even after comprehensive medical tests have been done. Lumbago can be caused from several factors, but the main reason is the overuse of the lower back and the sudden lifting of a heavy load.
Lumbago can be the result of excessive bending or other repetitive motions involving the lower back. Osteoarthritis and spinal arthritis (spondylosis) can be factors.
Other causes may include a slipped or herniated disc, osteoporosis, spinal stenosis or compression of the spinal nerves, scoliosis and malignant or benign spinal tumors.
