More commonly known as “reins”, lumbago is characterized by sudden pain in the vertebrae. Causes, duration and anti-pain treatments with Dr Anne-Christine Della Valle, general practitioner.
One wrong move and you’re blocked from the back! Lumbago means a sudden pain in the lumbar region, the lower part of the back. Lumbago keeps the lower back in a painful position. More than 60% of French people have suffered at least once in their life from low back pain. Low back pain is the leading cause of occupational disease and work stoppage. They represent the 3rd cause consultation in men and 6th in women.
What is lumbago?
Lumbago, more commonly known as “turn of the kidneys”characterizes sudden pain occurring in the lumbar region, at the level of the vertebrae. It is often the consequence of a excessive rotation of the lower back, or a sudden movement, in anteflexion (leaning forward). It is manifested by a sharp, often intense pain accompanied by a feeling of cracking, blockage of the lumbar region. Pain is relieved when lying down and increased pain when standing up. This trauma, which corresponds to a muscle contracture in the lumbar vertebrae, can be:
- acute (lumbago),
- or become chronic (lumbago).
How long does lumbago last?
A lumbago lasts, on average, between 3 and 10 days.
What are the symptoms of lumbago?
Lumbago is manifested by sudden pain and localized at the level of the lower part of the back, a sensation of cracking or tearing and lumbar stiffness. As a rule, the person remains stooped, walks in a bent position and with difficulty. Pain is relieved when lying down. It is increased during mobilization, but also during coughing or defecation. Simple lumbago does not give pain radiating to the lower limbs.
What are the causes of lumbago?
Lumbago is due to uncontrollable lower back muscle tightness, often resulting from a false movement, carrying too heavy loads, or a gesture performed in anteflexion. It can also follow the practice of a sports activity without prior warm-up or repeated trauma to the area. Degeneration of the joints following micro-traumas or lumbar osteoarthritis can also be the cause. Some subjects are more at risk of having lumbago (overweight or tall people). Maintaining a good lower back musculature is an excellent prevention of lumbago.
Resuming walking as soon as the pain becomes bearable contributes to faster healing.
Diagnosis: when and who to consult in case of lumbago?
The diagnosis is made by clinical examination of the person. The position adopted after the accident is generally characteristic of lumbago. Palpation of the area is also done, in order to assess the pain. Usually, given a typical description of the onset of symptoms and if there is no pain radiating to the lower extremities that could raise suspicion of disc involvement, no further examination is necessary.
What to do in case of lumbago?
Lumbago is blocking and painful. The first thing to do is to take analgesics (paracetamol) or anti-inflammatories if the pain is too strong. Muscle-relaxing medicines called muscle relaxantscan then be prescribed by the doctor. Contrary to popular belief, prolonged rest is totally inadvisable in cases of lumbago. Resuming walking as soon as the pain becomes bearable will contribute to faster healing.
Should you put hot or cold on a lumbago?
A hot bath Or applying warm compresses promote muscle relaxation and can relieve pain.
What natural remedies?
natural remedies can relieve inflammation like nettle and horsetail which have an ani-inflammatory action and which can be used to relieve inflammation associated with lumbago. We can also use willow or currant berry as EPS or mother tincture. These remedies do not replace the advice of a doctor in the event of persistent pain or too frequent recurrences.