Lumbago is divided into different categories based on cause and progression:

1. Acute lumbago:

- Sudden, intense pain that subsides within a few days to weeks.

2. Chronic lumbago:

- Pain that lasts longer than three months and recurs.

3. Mechanical lumbago:

- The cause of pain is an overload or poor posture of the back.

4. Non-mechanical lumbago:

- Pain caused by inflammatory diseases or neurological problems.

The most common causes of a lumbago are:

• Unfavorable movements:
  • Sudden twisting movements or lifting heavy loads in the wrong posture can overload the back muscles or vertebral joints.
• Muscle tension:
  • Chronic poor posture, stress, or prolonged sitting lead to tension that can trigger a lumbago.
• Vertebral blockages:
  • Blockages in the small vertebral joints of the lumbar spine often cause acute pain.
• Disc problems:
  • A herniated disc or a bulge can put pressure on nerve roots and cause symptoms similar to a lumbago.
• Degenerative changes:
  • Wear and tear of the spine, such as osteoarthritis, can impair the stability of the back.
• Inflammatory diseases:
  • Diseases like ankylosing spondylitis can lead to lower back pain similar to a lumbago.

The symptoms of a lumbago often appear suddenly and can be very intense:

• Sudden pain:
  • Stabbing or pulling pain in the lower back, often triggered by an awkward movement.
• Movement restrictions:
  • Those affected can only move with limitations or under severe pain.
• Muscle hardening:
  • The muscles in the affected area are often hardened and painful when pressed.
• Radiating pain:
  • In some cases, the pain radiates to the buttocks or thighs.
• Change in posture:
  • Those affected often adopt a protective posture to alleviate the pain.

The diagnosis of a lumbago is made through a thorough medical history, clinical examination, and, if necessary, imaging techniques:

- Medical history:

- The doctor inquires about the exact location of the pain, duration, and possible triggering factors.

- Clinical examination:

- Checking the mobility of the spine, tenderness, and muscle hardening.

- Imaging techniques:

- X-ray: Visualization of vertebral blockages or degenerative changes.

- MRI: In case of suspected disc problems or inflammatory diseases.

- CT: Detailed representation of bony structures.

Conservative Therapy

Most cases of lumbago can be treated without surgery:

• Pain therapy:
  • Use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen for pain relief.
• Physiotherapy:
  • Mobilizing and strengthening exercises to improve mobility and stability.
• Heat therapy:
  • Application of heat packs or infrared lamps to relax the muscles.
• Immobilization:
  • Short-term rest, but not complete bed rest, to promote healing.
• Manual therapy:
  • Treatment by chiropractors or physiotherapists to resolve blockages.

Surgical Therapy

In cases of chronic complaints or those caused by disc damage, surgery may be necessary:

• Disc surgery:
  • Removal of protrusions or inflamed parts of the disc.
• Fusion:
  • Stabilization of the affected vertebral sections in advanced degeneration.

To prevent a lumbago, the following measures are recommended:

1. Back training: Regular exercises to strengthen the back and abdominal muscles.
2. Ergonomic working: Use of height-adjustable desks and chairs to avoid poor posture.
3. Weight management: Avoidance of overweight to reduce the strain on the spine.
4. Correct lifting techniques: When lifting heavy loads, knees should be bent and the back kept straight.
5. Regular exercise: Promotion of flexibility and stability of the spine through sports such as swimming or yoga.