What is Lumbago? Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Do you suffer from lower back pain? You are not alone. Anyone can experience it at any time, even if they haven’t experienced a prior injury or possess any underlying risk factors. Explore the options for the Best back pain treatment in Chennai.

Lumbago is prevalent, with approximately 80 percent of individuals in Western countries experiencing lower back pain at some point in their lives. Tellingly though, it is not just those Western countries affected by low back pain. Severe lower back pain is also prevalent in Chennai as working from home came with bad posture, leading to an increase in said lower back pain.

This is why you seek the best lower back pain treatment for adequate relief. However, before you go looking at multiple treatment options for severe lower back pain, it is important that you have the basics down. 

This article will cover what it is, a few of the common causes, symptoms, and how this problem can be treated with orthopedic care, covered as follows:

The pain ranges from a dull, persistent ache to a sudden and sharp sensation in severe lower back pain. Low back pain is categorized based on its duration as acute (lasting less than 6 weeks) sub-chronic (lasting 6 to 12 weeks) or chronic open (lasting more than 12 weeks).

The underlying cause of the condition further classifies it as mechanical, non-mechanical, or referred pain. Mechanical pain is a broad term that refers to back pain that results from putting abnormal stress on the muscles and soft tissues of the vertebral column.

Knowing what lumbago is and how it’s classified helps in recognizing its symptoms.

Symptoms of Lumbago or Lower Back Pain

The symptoms of mechanical back pain vary based on its severity. For some people, lower back pain may manifest as a mild ache that revolves quickly. However, for others, it is severe, and debilitating, and calls for medical treatment. The pain is most commonly localized to the lower back area.

• Pain tends to worsen when engaging in physical activities.
• The pain may rise after activities or at the end of the day and may feel like a persistent ache.
• Encountering difficulty when trying to bend or twist the back.
• Pain that radiates into the buttocks or outer hip.
• Spasms are a common occurrence for many people who experience mechanical back pain. 
• Symptoms become more apparent when bending the back and lifting heavy objects.
• Prolonged periods of standing or sitting occasionally lead to low back pain.

Now that we’ve covered the symptoms, let’s look at a few of the causes that weaken and deter spinal health.

Causes of Lumbago 

The causes of Lumbago or lower back pain are complex and not always obvious. However, the typical causes include:

• The lumbar region or lower back supports much of the body’s weight and enables flexible movement at the waist. Sometimes there is excessive strain on supporting structures like muscles, ligaments, and tendons in the lower back.
• Low back pain typically results due to mechanical issues in the joints and muscles of the lower back. Disruption in the normal functioning of joints in the lower back results in inflammation and pain that contributes to lumbago, necessitating lower back pain treatment in Chennai.
• It also develops as a result of the gradual wear and tear of the lower back joints or other forms of joint surface degeneration as a result of overwork or overuse. This condition is more common in older individuals.

Understanding the causes highlights the factors that influence the episodes of back pain. Let’s look at some effective postural precautions to prevent lumbago. 

Tips to prevent Lumbago

Whether it is sitting for prolonged hours of the day or working from home sitting in an office chair for most of the day, the following postural precautions suggest a few ways to improve posture and ergonomics: 

1. Chair that supports the back up to the shoulder blades above and the lower back below.

The incorporation of support for both the upper and lower back enhances the ergonomic qualities of the chair, minimizing the risk of discomfort or strain commonly associated with extended use.

2. Elbows resting comfortably on a handrest

The design of this chair allows for a relaxed posture with elbows comfortably resting on dedicated hand rests. This feature contributes to an ergonomic seating experience, reducing strain on the arms and enhancing overall comfort during use.

3. Buttocks resting all the way back and touching the backrest

Facilitate a comfortable seating position by allowing the buttocks to rest fully against the backrest of a chair. This design encourages proper alignment, providing support and enhancing overall comfort for extended periods of sitting.

4. Knees at the same level as the hips or slightly higher

Maintaining optimal ergonomics ensures that the knees are positioned either at the same level as the hips or slightly higher while being seated. This promotes a natural and comfortable alignment, reducing stress on the lower back and enhancing overall sitting comfort.

5. Small gap between the front of the chair and the back of the knee

Seating comprises a design that leaves a small gap between the front edge of the seat and the back of the knee. This intentional spacing prevents pressure points and promotes circulation, contributing to a more comfortable and supportive seating experience.

6. Feet resting flat on the ground or a small stool

For optimal comfort and posture, seating encourages feet to rest flat on the ground or on a small stool. This promotes stability, reduces strain, and enhances overall ergonomic support during prolonged periods of sitting.

Conclusion

If despite your best efforts you still experience symptoms, turn to the best lower back pain treatment in chennai. Count on Dr. Prakash Selvam and his team in the best multispeciality hospital in Chennai for personalized, comprehensive, and effective care. Book an appointment today at CTS Speciality Hospital.