Lumbago

The term lumbago is commonly used to describe various medical conditions characterized by sudden pain in the lower back. This pain is often felt as stabbing or like an electric shock and can severely limit mobility. The symptoms usually disappear after a few days. However, it is important to understand the causes and the correct treatment in order to avoid consequential damage.
What is lumbago?
In medical terms, lumbago is defined as acute back pain (lumbalgia or lumbago). This acute pain can be triggered by various factors and usually affects the lower lumbar spine. If the pain also radiates down the leg, it is referred to as lumboischialgia, which more precisely describes back pain that radiates down the sciatic nerve into the leg. This form of pain can indicate nerve irritation or injury.
As a herniated disc with nerve compression could also be the cause, do not wait too long to see a doctor. In rare cases, this can be an emergency requiring immediate surgery. Particularly in the case of incontinence, when urine and stool can no longer be held in, prompt surgery is often necessary and unavoidable.
The causes of lumbago
There are various causes of lumbago which can also reinforce each other. The most common causes include:
- Excessive strain: Sudden, heavy strain caused by heavy lifting or abrupt bending can lead to muscle tension and injuries
- Incorrect posture: Long-term incorrect posture, such as when sitting or standing, leads to uneven strain on the spine and can cause pain by irritating the intervertebral joints
- Muscle tension: Stress, overexertion or even emotional tension can lead to tension in the back muscles
- Blockages: Blockages and restrictions in the spine caused by misalignment or overloading can trigger acute pain
- Degenerative changes in the spine: Age-related wear and tear on the intervertebral discs or intervertebral joints can also be the cause of lumbago
An often overlooked cause of lumbago is cranio-mandibular dysfunction (CMD), which is caused by a dysfunctional masticatory system. Such dysfunctions can also lead to tension in the muscles, which can radiate into the back.
Symptoms of lumbago
The symptoms of lumbago are usually very specific and can manifest themselves primarily through the following complaints:
- Acute, stabbing pain in the lower back, which typically occurs suddenly during strenuous movements such as lifting, bending or twisting.
- Significant restriction of mobility, making it difficult to hold the upper body upright, stand up or sit down. Even small movements can trigger severe pain, which can have a significant impact on everyday life.
- Radiating pain: In some cases, particularly if the nerve roots are irritated, the pain can also radiate to neighboring regions such as the bottom or thighs.
- Muscle tension and cramps in the affected area. These tensions cause a strong feeling of stiffness and often lead to a relieving posture, which in turn can strain other muscle areas.
- Local sensitivity to pressure: The lower back can react particularly sensitive to touch or light pressure.
- Limited ability to stretch the muscles, so that simple movements such as bending forward or straightening up are associated with pain.
It is important to interpret these symptoms correctly, as they can also indicate other conditions, such as a herniated disc, in which the pain typically radiates more strongly into the leg and can also sometimes cause neurological deficits such as numbness or muscle weakness.
Lumbago or herniated disc?
Lumbago and a herniated disc differ particularly in their cause and severity. Lumbago is usually caused by sudden muscle tension or blocked vertebral joints in the lower back, triggered by incorrect posture or lifting heavy weights. The pain is quite localized, stabbing and manifests itself particularly during movement.
A herniated disc occurs when the inner nucleus of an intervertebral disc protrudes through the outer annulus into the spinal canal and presses on the spinal nerve roots. This leads to persistent, intense pain, which often radiates into the leg, as well as neurological symptoms such as tingling, numbness or muscle weakness. While lumbago can usually be treated well with heat, exercise and painkillers, a slipped disc requires physiotherapy or even surgery, depending on its severity.
Lumbago or sciatica?
The terms lumbago and sciatica are often used synonymously, but they refer to different pathophysiological causes. Lumbago usually affects the lower back and results from an acute muscle tension or blockage of the intervertebral joints. Sciatica, on the other hand, describes the pain along the sciatic nerve, which in most cases is caused by nerve compression or irritation. This is often triggered by a herniated disc or spinal canal stenosis. Typical symptoms of sciatic pain are radiation into the gluteal muscles and down to the legs and soles of the feet.
Localization of lumbago
The symptoms of lumbago can occur in different areas of the back and can be localized in different parts of the body. The most common area for lumbago is the lumbar spine.
Lumbago in the neck
Lumbago in the neck, also known as cervical syndrome, often leads to pain and restricted movement in the cervical vertebrae. This can often be caused by tension or incorrect posture when sitting or working at a computer. In some cases, the pain can also radiate into the shoulders and arms.
Lumbago in the upper back
The upper back can also be affected, although the symptoms are often caused by muscle tension or poor posture when sitting. Patients often feel a dull ache that restricts the mobility of the shoulders and arms.
Lumbago in the lower back
Lumbago in the lower back is one of the most common cases and manifests itself in severe, stabbing pain that often severely restricts mobility. The pain can be aggravated by common movements such as bending, lifting or twisting.
The pain is often triggered by muscle tension or overloading, but can also be caused by a slipped disc or arthrosis. In some cases, the pain radiates to the buttocks or thighs. It is therefore important to consult a doctor, as this will enable a more detailed examination of the condition in order to start the best possible treatment.
Lumbago, how should it be treated?
It is always advisable to seek professional medical advice if you suffer from lumbago. An acute herniated disc should be first ruled out, especially in the case of restricted mobility and signs of paralysis. The treatment of lumbago usually involves several measures:
- Gentle movements and stretching exercises: These can help to relieve the affected muscles and structures. It is important not to make any sudden movements, as this can lead to severe pain.
- Drug therapy: Anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving ointments and medication can also help to relieve the pain. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen are usually prescribed.
- Chiropractic therapy: This form of manual therapy aims to release blockages and bring the spine back into its natural alignment.
- Physiotherapy: A targeted training program can help to strengthen the muscles, improve mobility and relieve the patient's posture.
- Heat applications: Heat can relax the muscles and thus relieve any pain that occurs.
- Alternative medical procedures: Techniques such as cupping or acupuncture can have a supportive effect and promote healing. The use of pain-relieving ointments such as arnica can also reduce pain and inflammation.
In severe cases, the doctor may also inject specific substances or perform other therapeutic measures to reduce the symptoms and promote healing. To minimize the risk of recurrence, it is important to be physically active on a regular basis, to strengthen the back muscles in particular and to ensure an ergonomic workplace, for example.
Sources:
- Acupuncture for chronic nonspecific low back pain
- Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation and heat to reduce pain in a chronic low back pain population: a randomized controlled clinical trial
- Clinical Trials, Potential Mechanisms, and Adverse Effects of Arnica as an Adjunct Medication for Pain Management
Lumbago exercises
In the following, we would like to give you specific exercises that can help you to strengthen your back muscles and promote flexibility. The exercises include:
- Cat-cow stretch: this involves getting into a quadrupedal standing position, sagging your back down and lifting your head as you inhale (cow), and rounding your back, pulling your chin towards your chest and tilting your pelvis back (cat) as you exhale. This stretching exercise mobilizes the spine and relieves tension in the back.
- Knee to chest: Lie on your back and pull one knee towards your chest to relieve pressure on the lumbar vertebrae. Hold this position for a few seconds and then repeat again.
- Bridge: This exercise strengthens the gluteal muscles and relieves pressure on the lower back. Lie on your back, place your feet hip-width apart and push your pelvis upwards as you inhale until your body forms a straight line from your shoulders to your knees, then lower your pelvis again as you exhale.
It is generally advisable to seek further advice from a physiotherapist regarding exercises in order to receive customized exercises.
Gregor Nowak
In the event of lumbago, and especially in the case of loss of mobility and signs of paralysis, seek professional medical advice to rule out an acute slipped disc. An integrative approach can help to support your physical health with preventative measures.

Frequently asked questions about lumbago
In the following, we answer frequently asked questions about lumbago to give you more clarification about causes, symptoms and treatment options.
Instant relief can usually be achieved through heat treatments, gentle stretching exercises and taking pain-relieving medication such as ibuprofen or paracetamol. Temporary rest is also helpful.
Yes, some home remedies can help to relieve the pain. These include warm compresses with herbal extracts, ginger tea to reduce inflammation or an application of essential oils to relax the muscles.
The ideal sleeping position for lumbago is usually on the back with a pillow under the knees to minimize pressure on the lumbar spine. Alternatively, some patients also lie on their side with a pillow.
The best ointment for lumbago is usually one that contains pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory active ingredients. Ointments with diclofenac or arnica can help to relieve the pain. Warming ointments such as those containing capsaicin can also help to relax the muscles. When using ointments, it is important to apply them regularly.
In many cases, lumbago can be alleviated by your own measures such as heat applications, light stretching exercises and gentle movement. It is important to avoid excessive strain and to relieve the back sufficiently. In some cases, however, additional medical clarification is necessary, especially if the pain lasts longer or is accompanied by other symptoms such as numbness or weakness.
Further information
The information listed contains relevant topics and serves to improve understanding.