Orthopedics-Online

lumbago

Synonyms: lumbago, acute lower back pain, lumbar syndrome, lumbar paralysis

English: low back pain

General

Lumbago, popularly known as lumbago, refers to sudden, severe back pain in the lumbar spine. The pain usually occurs after jerky, everyday movements such as bending over or lifting heavy objects and can sometimes be so severe that the person affected can hardly move.

Lumbago is often caused by a harmless blockage of the vertebral bodies or a muscle strain, but serious diseases such as a herniated disc of the lower back can also cause symptoms of lumbago.

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Who am I?
My name is dr. Nicolas Gumpert. I am a specialist in orthopedics and the founder of .
Various television programs and print media report regularly about my work. On HR television you can see me every 6 weeks live on "Hallo Hessen".
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The spine is difficult to treat. On the one hand it is exposed to high mechanical loads, on the other hand it has great mobility.

The treatment of the spine (e.g. herniated disc, facet syndrome, foramen stenosis, etc.) therefore requires a lot of experience.
I focus on a wide variety of diseases of the spine.
The aim of any treatment is treatment without surgery.

Which therapy achieves the best results in the long term can only be determined after looking at all of the information (Examination, X-ray, ultrasound, MRI, etc.) be assessed.

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60311 Frankfurt am Main

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Further information about myself can be found at Dr. Nicolas Gumpert

Frequency: widespread disease back pain

Back pain is the second most common reason why patients see a doctor's office. Around 80% of Germans have back pain once in their life, around 70% even once a year. People between the ages of 50 and 70 are most frequently affected, but schoolchildren and young people are increasingly complaining of back problems.

Causes and Triggers

Often the occurrence of a lumbago is one weakened back muscles underlying. Reason for that Incorrect loads by sitting incorrectly or for too long as well Sedentary lifestyle be. One wrong move easily leads to one strain a deep back muscle, which then reflexively tenses and hardens and can thereby block a vertebral body.
It can also be the case in the area of Sacrum-iliac joint (Sacroiliac joint) blockages. Because of the pain, those affected usually take one automatically Relieving posture a, whereby the muscle tension is increased. Therefore, patients should move again as soon as possible after a lumbago.

Also a disc prolapse (Prolapse) or one Intervertebral disc bulge (Protrusion) can express themselves through the symptoms of lumbago. However, then come often Sensory disturbances or Signs of paralysis in the legs or feet.

Rarely can one inflammation or a tumor in the field of Spine cause severe back pain like a lumbago.

Symptoms of a lumbago

A lumbago usually manifests itself through one stabbing, boring or pulling pain in the lower back, which occurs suddenly and usually with a Restriction of movement goes hand in hand. The pain can be in the Rib cage or in the Thigh until knee radiate, which does not necessarily mean that the sciatica- or someone else nerve is involved. Often the entire back muscles tense, hardened and pressure sensitive.
Numbness, tingle or Muscle weakness usually only occur when a disc presses on a nerve as the cause of the discomfort.

diagnosis

After specific inquiries about the symptoms and the medical history (anamnesis), the doctor conducts a physical examination through, in which he the mobility of the Vertebral joints and des Sacroiliac joint checked.
To a Nerve involvement like a herniated disc or a Nerve entrapment be excluded neurological tests carried out: The doctor checks whether the patient Touches feels and tests the same on both legs and feet force the flexor and extensor muscles as well as the reflexes.

Leading the way in diagnosing a Sciatica (pain emanating from the sciatic nerve) is the so-called Lasègue test. To do this, the doctor slowly lifts the extended leg of the patient lying flat on their back, which stretches the sciatic nerve. Step when the leg is lifted from less than 45 ° If you are already in pain, the Lasègue test is said to be positive. This can be due to irritation of the nerve root Herniated disc, one Nerve inflammation or one Entrapment of the sciatic nerve Clues. In this case, a MRI performed to rule out a herniated disc.

If a herniated disc is suspected, it is also important to ask whether the patient urine and chair can control. If there is a dysfunction of the bladder or anal sphincter, this indicates damage to the nerves of the lower Backmarks (Cauda Syndrome), which must be treated surgically immediately. Otherwise there is a risk of permanent disorder of urinary and stool continence.

Lumbago: what to do?

With a simple lumbago you can warm baths, Heat pad or Infrared radiation help relax muscles. Also one Step storage can help relieve pain: for this, in the supine position, the lower legs are placed at a right angle on a padded elevation, while the head and neck rest on a flat pillow.

If a blockage of the vertebral joints or the sacroiliac joint is behind the complaints, an "adjustment" (unblocking) by an orthopedic surgeon or chiropractor can work wonders. Massages, general physiotherapy or manual therapy usually lead to an improvement in the symptoms of lumbago.

Medication

If the pain is severe, temporary anti-inflammatory pain relievers (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or diclofenac can be taken. Although they do not have a causal effect on the lumbago, they can enable appropriate movement at an early stage, which usually promotes recovery.

If the back muscles are very tense, the doctor may take medication to relax the muscles (Muscle relaxants) such as prescribing Sirdalud®. This active ingredient belongs to the group of benzodiazepines and is particularly suitable for evening use due to its calming effect.

The injection of anti-inflammatory drugs such as cortisone or local anesthetics into the back muscles is also carried out in the case of a lumbago. The advantage of this is that the active ingredients only work where they are needed and the entire body is not burdened with them.

If the discomfort is caused by a herniated disc, an operation may be necessary.

forecast

Usually the symptoms get better uncomplicated Lumbago relatively quickly with appropriate treatment. The acute pain mostly sound within few days After that, those affected often have mild symptoms for one to two weeks. At a disc prolapse however, the cause is usually one long-term therapy and possibly one surgery necessary.

Prevent lumbago

Is the lumbago the result of one Improper loading or one weak back muscles, a recurrence should be actively counteracted.

Those affected should note the following:

Once the symptoms of acute lumbago have subsided, special help Spinal exercises or targeted Back trainingto build up the weakened back muscles. A strong back is less prone to lumbago.
Obesity should be reduced if possible to relieve the back.
A ergonomic furnished workplace with individually adapted desk and office chair bends Tension and Back pain in front.
When lifting heavy objects you should bend your knees and the Strength from the legs use instead of bending over with a rounded back.