What is Lumbago ?

Lumbago is defined as mild to severe pain in the lower portion of the back area. The pain may also extend to the regions of buttocks, legs and thighs in either uni or bi lateral fashion. The pain can be acute and can last for about three months or more. It can be caused due to arthritis, muscle strain or vascular insufficiency or even due to ruptured intervertebral disc. It most commonly occurs in younger people who involve in lot of physical work. Since the pain is associated in the lumbar region that is the sacral region of spine it is termed as Lumbago.

Causes
In most of the cases it is difficult to find out the cause of the disease but however in some cases it is possible to identify the cause. The most common cause for this is muscle strain or soft tissue problem. The other causes include osteoporosis, degenerative disc disease, slipped disc, tumours or infections in the spinal area especially damage to the intervertebral discs. These discs are located between the vertebrae and acts as cushions. Each disc consists of a fibrous layer surrounding a soft interior that provides the cushioning effect. With the ordinary wear and tear the discs get aged and may be injured. When the discs degenerate even the slightest pressure can cause the disc to rupture and allowing the soft material to come out of the disc and press against the spinal cord. This is referred to as slip disc and is the cause of back pain. Other causes may be wrong posture, calcium deficiency, improper bending or lifting heavy weights, sleeping on soft mattresses, stooping while sitting etc.

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Signs and Symptoms The signs and symptoms of lumbago are included in the following • The main symptom is mild or severe pain in the lower part of the back, which sometimes passes on to buttocks, the groin region or to the back of the thighs. The pain may increase during movements. • Tingling or numbness sensation in the in the back, buttocks or one or both the legs usually the sole of the foot and posterior aspect of the calf region. • Change in the posture of the back due to severe pain. The back may lean to on single side. • The neck might get stiff since the muscle that surrounds the spine goes into the spasm. • Might feel difficult in the movement of spine especially while leaning front and backwards. • Difficulty in walking. If the primary symptom is pain in the legs, then it is called sciatica rather than lumbago.
Diagnosis The doctor generally diagnoses the problem based on the information provided by the patient. In most cases a thorough examination of the movement of joints in the spine, hips, pelvis, walking style, bending etc is done. Sometimes orthopaedic and muscle tests are conducted to check if any nerves are trapped in the spine. If there is some serious underlying cause for the pain the doctor advices to take X-rays or conduct blood tests. Treatments Lumbago is generally treated separately for acute low back pain and chronic low back pain. The treatments given for acute low back pain generally includes • NSAIDs such as ibuprofen are given. • Muscle relaxants are advised to be taken to get relief from muscle pains. • Analgesics are recommended. • Some other treatments involve steroid injections, facet joint injections, back exercises, anti depressants, physiotherapy, TENS (trans electrical nerve stimulation) etc. • Although found not to be that effective bed rest is advised by some doctors. The treatments given for chronic low back pain generally includes: • Generally analgesics, NSAIDs, ligament injections are given. • Others such as antidepressants, muscle relaxants, steroid injections, epidurals, acupuncture etc are also advised. • Back exercises, physical treatments are also recommended. • Though not much effective, facet joint injections are also given sometimes. Patients with backache can be treated with medical systems such as homeopathy, allopathy, ayurveda, acupressure, yoga, acupuncture, physiotherapy, reiki etc. surgeries are done in extreme case where in Cord compression and Root canal stenosis has occurred.
There are also certain Remedies that can be followed at home • Even though the back pain is very common resting all the time is not beneficial. It is good to be active all the time. • Using painkillers and anti-inflammatory tablets can help in relieving the pain and relaxing of the muscles. • Sleeping or resting on a flat surface like floor rather than a soft mattress can help in getting rid of the pain up to some extent. • Exercises are very important for a human body. Gentle exercises such swimming can help people suffering with lumbago. • Proper posture that is walking or sitting on a chair must be correct. It is important to have a firm supportive chair and desk at proper height. • Should be relaxed and not to be upset all the time thinking of the disease. The disease will get right in few days or months once proper treatment is taken.

Prevention
There are certain procedures or steps to be taken to avoid from diseases such as lumbago.
As told already exercise is very must for everybody. Regular exercises such as swimming will help in avoiding lumbago. Also avoid being in the same posture for along time and also jerky movements or rides. Try not lifting anything heavy by bending at the waist. While lifting up your body, try lifting from your legs properly and not with your back. Use a support for the back while sitting. Try sleeping to the side as far as possible and while getting up from the bed try getting up side wards.

Warning signs to Consult the Doctor
The main signs that needs to be considered to rush to the doctor urgently are mentioned below:
• When you feel that you cannot control the bladder and the movements of your bowel.
• Pain in the back that is unbearable and which progress to your buttocks and weakens the muscles of one or both your legs.
• When you feel numbness sensation or tingling sensation in the back, buttocks or legs.

Conclusion
Since we all know that the disease can be avoided by following certain procedures it is really important for every individual to take the initiative in following it. It is after all our health that we are taking care off. Vast majority of people are provided with healthy spinal column that works through out the human life span even after using it repeatedly. It is a known fact that weak back and stomach muscles are the reasons for developing back pain. So it is necessary to take precautions in using them properly without much straining and having regular exercises. Prevention is the main key to deal with back. There is no point in trying to protect the back after it is damaged.

Article Contributed By: Sukanaya Banerjee


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