Lumbago is a spine disease, manifested by violent lumbar pain due to paravertebral muscle contracture, caused by effort, cold, wet / cold, stiff muscles, deficient position, prolonged standing state and physical trauma spine. A lumbago disease points in most cases to affection at the intervertebral disks that compress the nerves in medullary canal. The patient can not straight his body, becomes immobile, hardly moving, can not bend down to lift an object or to wrap his shoes and can not remain long standing; lifting or settlement in bed is painful.

Normally, lumbago can be healed in a few days (if an action is taken urgently), but untreated in time, in the next stage, intervertebral spaces become narrow and it appears the sciatica symptom (sciatic nerve irritation). If after this point the activity is going on, this can lead to irreversible damage to the disc (herniated disc), requiring even chirurgical intervention. That’s why a medical examination is needed to determine the exact origin of the disease and to prescribe an adequate therapy.

We are speaking about acute lumbago – at the time when the crisis starts – or chronic lumbago – when painful episodes repeat over time.

Can lumbago be prevented?

The best way to prevent lumbago in general is to strengthen abdominal muscles and back muscles to support the spine. Therefore exercises are needed, but also walking or practicing sports, swimming and cycling. Massage can also be beneficial.

What can be done to treat lumbago?

- Make sure that the affected area has enough heat (an electric heating pad can be used prior to bed) and to be immobilized (lumbar belt use).

-You can use analgesics (aspirin or other non-steroidal analgesics, if you are sensitive to aspirin) and muscle relaxants.

Alternative treatments:

- Herbal therapy stimulates circulation and help relieving the pain. Warm compresses with chamomile, valerian or ginger will be applied on the painful areas it will be done a smooth message with equal amounts of glycerin and pepper tincture, arnica oil or hay.

- Mud-baths, homeopathic therapy, acupressure and acupuncture.

-Chiropractic (applying a force on the spine)

-Exercises and physical therapy, these must be made by prescribing physician, except high-intensity painful episodes and initially under the guidance of a physiotherapist.