Looking Forward: A Modern Take on Lumbago (Low-Back Pain) Treatment

"Lumbago" is an outdated term to describe generalized low-back pain. It is often confused with sciatica; however, the two conditions differ. Someone can have lumbago (low-back pain) with or without sciatica. Low-back pain has various causes, and treatment depends on the cause and symptoms associated with each case.

In this article, learn more about lumbago (low-back pain), including its acute and severe symptoms.

What Does the Medical Term "Lumbago" Mean?

Nowadays, healthcare providers use the term "low-back pain" instead of "lumbago." "Low-back pain" is a general term that encompasses three different sources of pain, which are:

• Axial lumbosacral
• Radicular (also called sciatica)
• Referred pain

The North American Spine Society defines "low-back pain" as "pain of musculoskeletal origin extending from the lowest rib to the gluteal fold [below the buttocks], that may at times extend as somatic referred pain into the thigh (above the knee)."

How Low-Back Pain (Lumbago) Feels

Low-back pain can be activity-related, intermittent, or constant. For some people, it only bothers them occasionally, such as during specific movements. For others, it can be excruciating, chronic, and disabling. How your low-back pain feels is unique to you and can differ depending on the cause.

Some ways that people with low-back pain describe their symptoms are:

• Aching pain deep in the back
• Shooting pain attacks
• Pain induced by slight pressure
• Burning and tingling

Without Sciatica 

For some people, low-back pain may be confined to a specific area of the back. This is called axial back pain. The pain may be felt in a band along the low back and does not radiate down the legs or elsewhere.

With Sciatica 

Sometimes low-back pain is accompanied by sciatica, pain that radiates from the low back or hip down the leg. It is the most common symptom of lumbar radiculopathy (compression of spinal nerve roots).

Symptoms of sciatica include:

• Shooting pain from the low back down the leg
• Feeling like a bad leg cramp
• Leg weakness
• Sensory changes radiating down the leg, including numbness, burning, or tingling

Identifying Lumbago Triggers and Causes

There are various causes of the symptoms associated with generalized low-back pain. Possible causes of low-back pain include:

• Spinal stenosis
• Failed back surgery
• Compression of spinal nerves
• Overuse of low back muscles
• Muscle weakness or strain
• Scoliosis
• Spondylosis
• Spinal tumors
• Osteoporosis
• Fibromyalgia
• Back injury
• Slipped disc
• Herniated disc

Remember, a specific cause of low-back pain can't always be identified. This doesn't make your pain and experience any less valid. These cases are called nonspecific low-back pain.

Low-Back Pain (Lumbago) Treatment: Where to Begin

Obtaining an accurate diagnosis for low-back pain can be challenging since there are many potential causes. Your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms and take a health history before performing a physical examination.

They may order diagnostic tests such as imaging and blood tests or refer you to a specialist, such as an orthopedist (musculoskeletal doctor) or neurologist (brain, nerve, and spinal cord doctor).

Some options for immediate relief and self-management include:

• Gentle stretching
• Over-the-counter acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Hot or cold packs
• Deep breathing
• Mental distraction techniques
• Staying active
• Avoiding triggering or aggravating movements

Your healthcare provider may also refer you to a physical therapist or write you a prescription for muscle relaxants.

Chiropractic techniques and spinal manipulations are no more beneficial than the above treatments for low-back pain and generally do not improve outcomes. Healthcare providers typically recommend against bed rest. Instead, they'll encourage you to maintain your typical activity level and incorporate gentle exercise as tolerated.

Does Mild Lumbago Go Away?

In about 90% of low-back pain cases, the pain is temporary and will get better without surgery. However, about 50% of people will experience another low-back pain episode within a year.

Treatment for Severe, Chronic Low-Back Pain (Lumbago) 

Low-back pain is considered chronic when symptoms last for 12 consecutive weeks or longer.

Healthcare providers typically recommend conservative treatments for low-back pain first. When these treatments are unsuccessful, they may move on to more invasive methods.

Treatments for severe, chronic low-back pain may include:

• Numbing injections
• Neuromodulatory agents
• Prescription pain relievers

If all other treatments fail, your healthcare provider may recommend surgery for your low-back pain. Keep in mind that not everybody will be eligible for back pain surgery.

Potential surgeries for low-back pain include:

• Spinal cord stimulation
• Laminectomy
• Discectomy
• Disc replacement surgery
• Spinal fusion
• Foraminotomy
• Laser surgery
• Radiofrequency lesioning

Managing Ongoing Lumbago Symptoms

Despite the array of treatment options, low-back pain remains the leading cause of disability worldwide. When low-back pain is a part of your life, it's important to learn coping mechanisms that can make your life easier, including:

• Ergonomic (designed for efficiency and comfort) and positioning adjustments
• Adaptive equipment
• Changing your routine
• Altering how you perform activities
• Adjusting how your home is set up

Ask a healthcare provider for a referral to an occupational therapist (OT) or a physical therapist (PT). An OT can advise you on adjustments to your daily life so you can have the highest level of independence and comfort. A PT can help you make postural corrections, learn safe lifting techniques, and teach you exercises to support and strengthen your lower back.

Consider seeking psychological support from a mental health professional or joining a support group. Low-back pain can be debilitating physically and mentally, and it's important to care for your mental and emotional health.

Summary

"Lumbago" is an outdated term for low-back pain. Healthcare providers no longer use the word. Low back pain affects many people, and the causes can be specific or nonspecific. Treatment for low back pain can range from noninvasive self-care strategies, such as stretching or breathing techniques, to surgery.

If you have "lumbago," talk to a healthcare provider for a tailored treatment plan. If you have chronic low-back pain that affects your ability to work, you may qualify for disability benefits.