Lumbago: Causes, Symptoms, and Effective Treatments

Lumbago is a common ailment that can occur suddenly and significantly impact the daily lives of those affected.

This article sheds light on the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for this painful condition.

By combining immediate measures, targeted therapy, and preventive exercises, sufferers can not only find relief but also prevent recurrences.

Learn more about effective methods to treat lumbago and how modern approaches, such as reLounge systems, contribute to strengthening back muscles.

What is Lumbago?

Lumbago, also known as acute low back pain or lumbar strain, is a widespread and painful condition that affects about 60-80% of the population at least once in their lifetime.

It involves severe, sudden pain in the lower back, which can radiate into the buttocks, thigh, or even the leg.

In most cases, lumbago is caused by overstrain or improper use of the muscles and small vertebral joints (facet joints) in the lumbar region.

The pain often occurs when lifting heavy loads or after prolonged improper posture (e.g., sitting in a hunched position) or an abrupt, jerky movement.

Other risk factors include one-sided physical strain, lack of movement, stress, smoking, being overweight, and advanced age.

Lumbago can greatly restrict the quality of life of those affected for days or even weeks.

According to the Global Burden of Disease Study from 2019, back pain is among the most common causes of disability due to illness.

Therefore, effective treatment of this widespread condition is of great importance.

Causes and Risk Factors for Lumbago

The lumbar spine is a particularly stressed and mobile section of the spinal column.

It has to support and stabilize the entire weight of the upper body.

When this sensitive area is overloaded or injured, very severe pain can result.

Typical triggers include:

• Incorrect or abrupt movements: Sudden twisting, bending, or stretching can block the small facet joints or overstretch ligaments and muscles.
• Lifting or carrying heavy loads: Lifting and carrying heavy loads puts a lot of strain on the spine. The risk for lumbago increases, especially when the body is twisted.
• Prolonged sitting in a bent posture: A hunched sitting posture tires the back muscles and leads to tension.
• Lack of movement and one-sided strain: Lack of strength and flexibility in the back muscles makes injuries more likely. One-sided or repetitive movements can also trigger lumbag.

Other risk factors include:

• Overweight: Obesity increases the load on the spine.
• Smoking: Nicotine narrows the blood vessels, restricting blood flow to the intervertebral discs.
• Stress: Psychological stress can lead to muscle tension.
• Age: With increasing age, wear and tear on joints, intervertebral discs, and muscles increases.
• Genetics: Inherited connective tissue weakness can increase the risk of intervertebral disc damage.

What Helps with Lumbago?

At the first signs of lumbago, those affected should stay calm.

In most cases, the symptoms will subside on their own.

The following immediate measures can provide relief:

• Assuming a comfortable posture: A stable back position with bent knees or the fetal position (lying on your side with legs pulled in) relieves the lumbar spine.
• Heat or cold therapy: Heat relaxes the muscles and relieves acute pain. Cold reduces inflammation and swelling. Whether heat or cold works better is an individual preference.
• Taking painkillers: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as dexketoprofen, ibuprofen, or diclofenac block pain transmission in the body and reduce inflammation. Dexketoprofen has shown particularly quick and lasting pain relief in studies.

If symptoms persist for more than three days or paralysis occurs, a doctor should be consulted immediately.

How Long Does Lumbago Last?

The symptoms of lumbago usually subside after a few days to weeks.

With appropriate treatment, pain relief is often observed within 2-4 days.

Factors that influence the duration of lumbago include:

• Severity of the injury: Is it just a simple muscle cramp, or is there a more serious blockage?
• Timeliness of treatment: The sooner rest, heat, and targeted physiotherapy are started, the quicker the symptoms subside.
• Comorbidities: Conditions like osteoporosis or arthritis can delay recovery.
• Age and physical condition: Older people tend to take longer to heal.

If the severe pain and movement restrictions last for more than one week or recurrences occur, the attending physician should be consulted.

In over 80% of cases, lumbago lasts between four to six weeks.

In 5-15% of cases, insufficient treatment can lead to chronic pain syndrome, emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Diagnosis of Lumbago

The diagnosis of lumbago initially involves a clinical examination, including a review of symptoms and palpation of the painful area.

Standardized pain scales such as the visual analog scale (VAS) or the numerical rating scale (NRS) may be used to assess pain.

These scales assign a number between 0 (no pain) and 10 (worst imaginable pain) to the perceived intensity of pain.

Imaging techniques such as X-rays or MRIs are usually only employed for prolonged back pain (> 4-6 weeks), suspected intervertebral disc herniation, or planned invasive procedures.

They help rule out other potential causes of pain, such as arthritis, osteoporosis, or tumors.

Lumbago vs. Sciatic Pain: Symptoms and Differences

Lumbago and sciatica can cause similar symptoms, but there are significant differences:

• Lumbago: The pain suddenly occurs in the lumbar region and usually does not radiate further. The cause is typically muscle tension or inflammation.
• Sciatica: Here, irritation or narrowing of the sciatic nerve occurs. The pain radiates from the lower back through the buttocks and thigh down to the foot. Numbness and paralysis may occur.
• Combination: Sometimes, a combination can occur where lumbago is accompanied by sciatica, known as lumbosciatica.

Differentiating from a Herniated Disc

Contrary to popular belief, lumbago rarely results from a herniated disc.

A herniated disc presents different symptoms, such as:

• Severe, burning pain radiating down the leg
• Numbness or tingling in the legs
• Loss of sensation around the anus and genitals
• Bladder or bowel dysfunction

If a herniated disc is suspected, additional tests like an MRI are required.

Generally, lumbago is harmless and will resolve on its own.

Treatment Options for Acute and Chronic Lumbago

If no serious underlying condition is present, conservative therapy involving rest, medications, and physiotherapy is recommended.

For chronic back pain, additional complementary methods may be used:

• Medications: NSAIDs, muscle relaxants, and mild opioids can help reduce inflammation and block pain transmission.
• Injection therapy: Cortisone or anesthetic injections into facet joints, muscle attachments, or the epidural space can significantly alleviate nerve irritation or herniated disc symptoms temporarily.
• Physiotherapy: Manual therapy, physical exercises, heat and cold therapy, and electrotherapy help relieve tension and strengthen core muscles.
• Orthopedic surgery: Surgery may be necessary in cases of severe disc degeneration, significant nerve compression, or spinal instability.

For those suffering from severe or chronic lumbago, advanced treatment methods may also be considered:

• Injection Therapy
  • Facet joint injections with local anesthetics and cortisone
  • Trigger point injections in tense muscle areas
  • Epidural injections for herniated discs
• Acupuncture: Stimulation of specific acupuncture points can release blockages and improve circulation. Although studies show mixed results, patients often report pain relief.
• Surgery: Surgical procedures such as microdiscectomy (removal of herniated tissue) or spinal fusion (fusion of unstable vertebrae) may be necessary in advanced cases.

Consulting a specialist is essential for choosing the most suitable treatment.

Modern medicine and targeted training now provide effective ways to treat even severe cases of lumbago successfully.

Physiotherapy and Exercises for Lumbago

A vital part of conservative therapy is performing specific strengthening and stretching exercises.

Under the guidance of experienced physiotherapists, these exercises can be tailored to individual needs.

• Stretching exercises for the hip flexors, glutes, and hamstrings help release adhesions and tension, improving lower back mobility.
• Strengthening exercises for the deep core muscles stabilize the lumbar spine and prevent further injuries. reLounge back trainers are often used here.
• Coordination exercises help train back-friendly movements and posture.
• Endurance training like walking, swimming, or cycling gently strengthens muscles and promotes blood circulation.

Nutrition and Supplements for Lumbago

Besides movement and physiotherapy, diet also plays an essential role in spinal health and recovery from lumbago.

A balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and trace elements supports the maintenance of bones, muscles, ligaments, and intervertebral discs.

Calcium and vitamin D are particularly important for strong bones and can even help prevent osteoporosis.

Sufficient fluid intake is also crucial to keep the intervertebral discs hydrated and maintain their shock-absorbing function.

‍2-3 liters of water or unsweetened tea per day are recommended.

Anti-inflammatory foods such as omega-3 fatty acids, ginger, turmeric, garlic, or berries positively impact muscle soreness, swelling, and pain, potentially speeding recovery.

Supplements like magnesium, calcium, vitamin D3, or collagen peptides can help address deficiencies but should only be taken after consulting a doctor or nutritionist.

Alternative and Complementary Therapies

To support conventional pain therapy, there are various complementary approaches:

• Acupuncture: Targeted stimulation of acupuncture points can relieve pain and reduce tension.
• Chiropractic Therapy: Specific manipulation techniques can help release pinched nerves and mobilize joints.
• Massages with warming or herbal oils relax the muscles and promote blood circulation in the affected area.
• Behavioral Therapy: Helps chronic pain patients manage fears and avoid falling into a vicious cycle of immobilization and depression.

Psychological Health and Stress Management in Lumbago

Since psychological stress is one of the risk factors for lumbago, relaxation and stress management play an important role in treatment.

Chronic tension due to emotional strain promotes poor posture and overloading of the back muscles.

Preventing Lumbago

Since lumbago is often caused by incorrect loading of the lumbar spine, prevention is key.

Measures include:

• Ergonomics at the Workplace: Correct posture, standing desks, ergonomic chairs, or lumbar trainers like those from reLounge relieve spinal stress.
• Back-Friendly Lifting and Carrying: Keep loads close to the body, use a straight back, and use aids like hand trucks for heavy loads.
• Regular Movement: Endurance sports like swimming, walking, or cycling gently strengthen the core muscles. Yoga and Pilates also improve posture and flexibility.

Ergonomic Measures to Prevent Lumbago

Many cases of lumbago could be prevented with better attention to back-friendly ergonomics in everyday life and at work. Tips include:

• Ergonomic Workplace Design
  • Height-adjustable desks and chairs
  • Adequate legroom under the desk
  • Monitor positioned at eye level
• Back-Friendly Lifting and Carrying
  • Keep loads close to the body and lift with a straight back
  • Go into a squat to set objects down, don’t bend your back
• Back-Friendly Daily Activities
  • Stand close to the work surface when cleaning or cooking
  • Alternate carrying bags on each shoulder

When Should You See a Doctor for Lumbago?

Although most cases of lumbago are harmless, there are situations in which medical advice is urgently needed:

• Persistent or worsening pain despite 48 hours of rest, warmth, cold, and painkillers
• Radiation of pain into the leg with tingling, numbness, or paralysis
• Problems with bladder or bowel control
• General feeling of illness, fever, or weight loss
• Pain provoked by simple movements like sneezing or coughing

These symptoms may indicate complications such as a herniated disc, nerve root irritation, or even spinal infection.

Consulting a physician early helps prevent pain from turning into a chronic condition.

reLounge Systems as Effective Help for Lumbago

Lumbago is a widespread condition that can significantly limit the daily lives of those affected. Fortunately, it is usually a harmless muscle strain that can be effectively treated with the right measures.

The innovative reLounge systems provide effective support through a combination of massage, muscle-building, and strengthening, helping to loosen, strengthen, and stabilize the back muscles.

Unlike traditional training devices, the reLounge system is particularly time-saving, user-friendly, and sustainable. Its positive effects and benefits have been confirmed by physiotherapists, fitness trainers, and wellness providers.