Lumbago

Lumbago is an acute pain in the back that also serves as a protective reflex. But how do I know if the lumbago needs medical treatment?

Cause: What triggers lumbago?

One wrong movement, you've lifted yourself up and suddenly a stabbing pain shoots into your lower back. Sometimes it can also take some time before the drilling pain becomes noticeable and a concrete trigger cannot always be found.

The spine is made up of several segments. If there is a micro-tear in one of these segments, for example in an intervertebral disc, the body reacts with a protective reflex to prevent the tear from enlarging. The muscles tense up to hold the segment in place. Therefore, a poorly trained back musculature further promotes lumbago.

Symptoms: What does lumbago feel like?

The spasming muscles have a useful function, but at the same time they are very painful. Often, the stabbing pain in the lower back is so severe that the person suffering from lumbago is suddenly unable to move. In many who suffer from lumbago, a protective posture bent forward can be observed, since straightening up hurts.

Lumbago or slipped disc?

But not every case of lumbago necessarily results in a herniated disc. The micro-crack heals after some time and the reflex slowly subsides. However, if the lumbago gets worse, it may well be the first sign of a herniated disc. The reason: in this case, the micro-injury at the level of the intervertebral disc is greater. Especially if the pain radiates and signs of paralysis appear, caution is advised and the suspicion of a herniated disc should be clarified by a doctor.

Therapy: When does lumbago need to be treated?

If the lumbago is very pronounced, the muscle attachments are overloaded by the protective reflex. This manifests itself in the fact that the patient can no longer move and suffers from severe pain. With injection therapy using physical measures, this overload is initially treated conservatively and the spasm is relieved. Heat can also help against cramping muscles.