Lower Back Pain or Lumbago
How to relieve lower back pain? Learn everything about the causes, symptoms, and treatments for lumbago.
Symptoms and Causes
Lumbago is a condition that causes pain in the lower back, specifically at the level of the lumbar vertebrae (between the lower part of the last rib and the buttocks). It usually appears suddenly when making a forced movement or lifting heavy objects.
There are three types of lower back pain depending on the duration:
- Acute lumbago: Symptoms resolve within a month.
- Subacute lumbago: Lasts between four and twelve weeks.
- Chronic lumbago: Persists for more than three months.
Based on its characteristics, lower back pain can be classified as:
- Mechanical lower back pain: Caused by movement and improves with rest.
- Inflammatory lower back pain: Usually associated with certain inflammatory rheumatic diseases or infections. It improves with exercise and tends to cause nighttime pain.
- Referred pain lumbago: Pain that appears in the lower back but originates in other organs.
This condition negatively affects quality of life by limiting movement and often causing referred pain in the lower limbs. Lumbago commonly appears after the age of 40 due to the progressive wear of the spine.
Symptoms
The most characteristic symptom of lumbago is lower back pain that worsens when standing. In some cases, the pain may extend to the groin, buttock, or thigh, making movement difficult.
Causes
The most common causes of lower back pain include:
- Disc degeneration
- Joint erosion in the spine
- Muscle strain
- Vertebral fractures
- Ankylosing spondylitis, an inflammatory disease that leads to vertebral fusion
- Osteoporosis
Risk Factors
The likelihood of developing lower back pain increases in the following cases:
- Over 40 years old, as spinal wear begins.
- Being overweight, which increases pressure on the spine.
- Sedentary lifestyle.
- Arthritis.
- Smoking.
- Structural spinal abnormalities.
- Frequent heavy lifting.
Complications
If lower back pain is not properly treated or does not respond to treatments as expected, it may become chronic, lead to a herniated disc, cause sciatica (radiating pain down the legs), or result in prolonged disability.
Prevention
Some recommendations to prevent lower back pain include:
- Strengthening the core muscles.
- Maintaining a healthy weight.
- Exercising regularly.
- Quitting smoking.
- Avoiding sudden movements.
- Lifting weight correctly by bending the knees and keeping the back straight.
- Maintaining good posture when standing, without straining back muscles.
What Doctor Treats Lumbago?
Rheumatologists diagnose lower back pain. Specialists in physical medicine and rehabilitation also play a role in its treatment.
Diagnosis
The most common methods used to diagnose lumbago are:
- Medical history: This is a fundamental step to assess the characteristics of the pain (location, onset, and aggravating factors) and the patient’s medical background (age, medical history, lifestyle, weight).
- Physical examination: Identifies painful points or postures, assesses mobility, palpates to evaluate muscle condition, and includes a neurological exam to check strength, sensitivity, and reflexes.
In some cases, additional tests are needed to rule out other conditions:
- Blood tests: Detect infections or other diseases that may cause pain.
- Urinalysis: Performed when a kidney condition is suspected.
- Spinal X-ray: Assesses vertebral health and detects bone growths or scoliosis.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) scan: Helps diagnose a herniated disc, identify fractures, or detect tumors.
- Electromyography: Evaluates muscle response to electrical impulses.
Treatment
Lumbago often improves with home rest without requiring additional treatments. If symptoms persist, specialists recommend:
- Medication: Pain relievers help reduce moderate pain, while muscle relaxants are used for more intense pain.
- Physical therapy: Performing specific exercises to strengthen muscles, increase flexibility, and improve posture can alleviate lumbago symptoms.
