Lumbago or Low back pain usually begins suddenly, and its intensity ranges from a vague, constant pain to a sharp pain that can immobilize the patient.
In most cases, low back pain is acute, lasting a few days to several weeks. It is related to a temporary disturbance in how the spine, muscles, and nerves in the area work together, and usually resolves on its own.
The sub-acute phase lasts four to twelve weeks, while chronic pain lasts more than twelve weeks and continues even after the treatment of an injury or other underlying cause.
Pain may start suddenly due to injury, an awkward movement, or heavy lifting, or develop over time due to natural wear of the spine.
Common causes include:
Other causes may include infections (osteomyelitis), benign or malignant tumors, abdominal aortic aneurysm, kidney stones, joint inflammation (osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis), osteoporosis, and fibromyalgia.
Taking a detailed medical history regarding the symptoms and performing a clinical examination — during which the doctor will check your muscle strength and reflexes — is the initial approach for diagnosing low back pain.
Simple X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT), and electromyography are also performed to reveal problems such as herniation or bulging of an intervertebral disc, spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, or a benign or malignant tumor.
In rare cases blood tests may be needed to check for inflammation, infection, or arthritis.
The initial treatment of low back pain is done with medication.
Common painkillers and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are administered to relieve pain and improve the patient’s mobility, while muscle relaxants may also be prescribed to reduce muscle spasms.
Also administered, depending on the case, are topical analgesics (creams), tricyclic antidepressants, or opioids with close monitoring by the treating physician and for a short period of time, as medications of this category are not indicated for chronic pain.
A simple analgesic method is the epidural injection — that is, the injection of corticosteroids into specific points of the spinal column — which helps reduce pain by suppressing inflammation around the irritated nerve.
Nerve block aims at relieving chronic pain by blocking the nerves in the affected area, and it is performed with injections of local anesthetics, botulinum toxin, and steroids, or by administering medication through a catheter directly into the spinal cord.
The training and experience of the treating physician in performing nerve blocks is of primary importance for the success of the method.
An alternative is the application of radiofrequency (RF), a procedure that uses electrical pulses to interrupt nerve conductivity and pain signals.
In cases of low back pain, physiotherapy is also recommended, with manual therapy that helps reduce muscle spasms, along with ultrasound application and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) to relieve the sensation of pain.
After the acute phase of pain has passed, and under the full guidance of the physiotherapist, exercises are performed to strengthen the muscles of the abdomen, legs, and back and to improve flexibility, as building muscle strength is particularly important.
The team of specialists at Therapia Specialists will be by your side at every step and will recommend a set of exercises that will help improve your posture and develop your muscles.
Depending on the case, and combined with other treatments, acupuncture or biofeedback may also have positive results.
Surgical intervention (lumbar microdiscectomy, kyphoplasty, decompression, artificial disc placement, etc.) is an option for relieving pain in cases of musculoskeletal problems, injuries, or nerve compression where the symptoms may be intense and severe (e.g., weakness of the lower limbs, loss of bladder control, steadily worsening pain) and do not improve with conservative treatment.
A medium-firm mattress that supports the spine in its natural curve is considered ideal. Very soft or very hard mattresses may worsen low back pain.
Strengthening exercises for the abdominal and back muscles, stretching, and low-intensity activities such as walking, swimming, or yoga can reduce pain and prevent relapses.
Acute low back pain is the sudden pain in the lower back that appears after a sudden movement, lifting a weight, or muscle strain, and usually lasts from a few days to several weeks.
Prolonged immobility, poor posture, excess weight, improper ergonomic conditions, and sudden movements can worsen the pain.
Yes, scoliosis can cause imbalance in the spine, leading to muscle strain and the appearance of low back pain, especially in more advanced cases.
