How does lumbago differ from other back pain?

What is lumbago?

Lumbago is another word for back pain. It usually affects the lower back. Most cases of lumbago are caused by strained back muscles and ligaments. Most back pain goes away on its own, though it may take a few weeks. In some cases, back pain can last for several months or longer. In older people, back pain is more likely to be caused by degenerative diseases of the bones and joints, such as arthritis or osteoporosis. In these cases, back pain is usually worse with activity and improves with rest. The pain from lumbago is usually mild, but it can sometimes be severe.

How does lumbago differ from other types of back pain?

Lumbago is the most common type of back pain. It is not due to serious conditions such as cancer, arthritis, or infection. Lumbago is sometimes called nonspecific low-back pain. However, back pain can be a symptom of other conditions, such as:

* Osteoarthritis, which is damage to the cartilage of a joint
* Herniated (or slipped) disc, where the gel-like fluid inside a spinal disc bulges out and presses on a spinal nerve
* Spinal stenosis, a narrowing of the canal that carries the spinal cord
* Degenerative disc disease, the gradual breakdown of discs between the vertebrae
* Lumbar strain (or sprain), a stretch or tear of back muscles
* A fracture of the spine or one of the bones that make up the spinal column
* Lumbar radiculopathy, often called sciatica, which is pain in the nerves of the leg due to irritation of the sciatic nerve
* Pregnancy, which can cause back pain in women
* Kidney stones or infection, which can cause back pain that is often made worse by movement
* Ankylosing spondylitis, a form of arthritis that affects the spine

What are the causes of lumbago?

Lumbago is usually caused by a strained or injured muscle. This can result from:

* Bending or twisting the back awkwardly
* Twisting the back while lifting heavy objects or lifting them incorrectly
* Strenuous physical activity or exercise, such as running or weightlifting
* Repetitive movement of the back, such as in a job that involves a lot of bending, twisting, or lifting
* Improper posture, such as sitting hunched over a desk or standing with poor posture
* Being overweight or obese
* Wearing high-heeled shoes
* Smoking, which can lead to degenerative diseases of the spine

Chiropractor treatments for lumbago.

A chiropractor will first try to determine the cause of the pain. He or she will give you a physical exam and ask you questions about your medical history and symptoms. You may also have imaging tests, such as an X-ray, CT scan, or MRI. Once the cause of your lumbago has been determined, your chiropractor will develop a treatment plan. He or she may:

* Prescribe medication or muscle relaxants, such as ibuprofen, naproxen, or opioids
* Recommend physical therapy to help strengthen your back muscles
* Apply heat or ice to your back
* Perform a spinal manipulation, or chiropractic adjustment
* Suggest lifestyle changes, such as exercising regularly, losing weight, and sitting or standing with good posture

Chiropractor adjustments for lumbago.

A chiropractor adjustment is one of the most common treatments for lumbago. It involves the chiropractor moving your body into different positions to relieve pain. He or she will use his or her hands or an instrument to apply a controlled, sudden force to a joint of your spine or other parts of your body. You may feel a “popping” sound or sensation when the chiropractor performs an adjustment. This is the sound of gas bubbles in the fluid surrounding the joint being released. There are many types of spinal adjustments. Your chiropractor will decide which is best for you.

How to prevent lumbago?

If you have lumbago, it’s important to prevent future episodes. You can do this by:

* Lifting heavy objects correctly
* Maintaining good posture when you sit, stand, and walk
* Exercising regularly and staying active
* Maintaining a healthy weight
* Wearing comfortable, low-heeled shoes with good support
* Quitting smoking
* Practicing stress-relieving techniques, such as meditation or yoga

Conclusion

Lumbago is a common type of back pain. Most cases are due to strained muscles or ligaments and go away on their own within a few weeks. However, back pain can be a symptom of other conditions, such as arthritis and osteoporosis. If you are going through back pain it is recommended to visit a chiropractor. A chiropractor can help you determine the cause of your lumbago and find the best treatment that works for you.