What Is Lumbago?
Lumbago, a technical term to refer to what we commonly known as lower back pain, is actually a frequently given reason for missed work. This pain can be caused by a variety of circumstances and other health issues. Someone may suffer from lumbago due to sudden strain from physical activity or from a more serious health problem such as arthritis or a tumor.
Symptoms for Lumbago are generally easy to distinguish as the most common symptom is pain in the lower back. Other symptoms may include pain in the thighs, a tingling sensation in the lowers legs and feet, muscle spasms in the lower back, or a stiff lower back especially when waking in the morning. If you are experiencing any type of pain in your back, whether shooting pain or continual pain, a doctor should be sought out for further diagnosis and treatment.
While Lumbago can certainly be caused by muscle strain, the causes for this pain can go much further. With so many varied reasons behind lower back pain, it is necessary to receive a thorough examination to know the proper treatment. Using a physical examination, X-rays, and MRIs, a doctor will be able to look closely at the spine in order to determine whether Lumbago is caused by muscle strain, arthritis, scoliosis, osteoporosis, tumors, herniated discs, or something else.
Because back surgery can be difficult and somewhat dangerous, it is never used as the first method of treatment. Instead, patients suffering from Lumbago will likely try a variety of lower-back stretches and exercises, hot and cold compresses, pain-killers, and anti-inflammatory medications first. Massage and acupuncture treatments are also often suggested.
If the condition is severe, surgery may be required. If Lumbago is chronic or was caused by damage to the spine, other treatments may not solve the problem. Again, a thorough series of doctors’ examinations and tests of various treatments will be conducted prior to surgery. If surgery should be required, a surgeon will likely discuss the variety of surgery methods which will be chosen based on the cause of the Lumbago. Ideally, the surgery is meant to restore the spine, decreasing or eliminating the pain, without removing the patient’s movement or flexibility. Again, prior to surgery, the surgeon will discuss the results of such a surgery so that each patient can be prepared for the outcome.
Although many people suffer from Lumbago, the cause differs for each person. Unfortunately, many people do not get an examination for their pain, and instead learn to suffer through it. If you suffer from lower back pain in any form or as experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, consult a doctor to determine the cause and prevent further pain and problems in the future.