Lumbago can strike suddenly: whilst bending over, twisting or lifting a box. The pain in the lower back is often sharp, and the muscles feel stiff and locked up – making it difficult to stand up straight or turn round. Colloquially, this is referred to as ‘lumbago’.
The most important point first: Uncomplicated lumbago is usually not dangerous and often improves within a few days to weeks. Gentle movement, short-term rest and heat (if it feels comfortable) can help. However, if you experience paralysis, numbness in the genital or buttock area, or problems with your bladder or bowel, you must seek medical help immediately.
But what actually happens in the back, and what helps to relieve the symptoms?
What is lumbago?
The medical term for lumbago is ‘acute lumbago’. This refers to sudden, usually severe pain in the lower back, also known as the lumbar spine. Medically speaking, it is usually classified as non-specific lower back pain: there is no clearly identifiable serious injury or underlying condition.
Even though the pain is severe and can sometimes be frightening, in most cases there is no dangerous underlying condition. The back is not usually permanently damaged. Rather, it is often a case of temporary irritation and severe tension in the muscles, ligaments or small vertebral joints.
A typical bout of lumbago is usually confined to the lower back. However, if the pain radiates significantly down one leg, or is accompanied by tingling, numbness or muscle weakness, a nerve may be irritated or the intervertebral discs may be affected. In this case, the cause should be investigated by a doctor.
How does lumbago develop?
Lumbago can be triggered by a completely everyday movement. Typical situations include:
- lifting a heavy object
- a sudden or unfamiliar twisting movement
- bending over deeply
- sitting for long periods in the same position
- unfamiliar physical work
- back muscles that are already tense or untrained
Often, however, the movement during which the pain occurs is merely the final trigger. A lack of exercise, one-sided strain, weak core muscles and persistent tension may have already made the back more sensitive.
Psychological stress can also play a role. People who are constantly tense often unconsciously tense their muscles. This can make it easier for back problems to develop or worsen.
In many cases, no single cause can be identified. This is normal with acute back pain and does not mean that a significant injury has been overlooked.
What helps with lumbago?
1. Keep moving gently
In the past, prolonged bed rest was often recommended for lumbago. Today, we know that gentle exercise is generally more helpful. You should try to carry on with your normal daily routine as much as possible, without overdoing it.
Short walks and gentle movements can improve blood circulation and prevent the muscles from becoming even stiffer. Heavy lifting and sudden movements should be avoided for the time being.
Of course, you may adopt a position in which the pain subsides from time to time. However, lying down for hours or days on end is usually not advisable.
2. Try applying heat
Many sufferers find heat soothing. A hot water bottle, a heat pad, a warm bath or a warming roll-on – for example, containing capsaicin – can help to relax tense muscles.
Whilst heat does not necessarily eliminate the cause of the discomfort, it can alleviate the pain and make movement easier. The key factor is how you personally feel: if the heat feels uncomfortable, you should stop using it.
3. Adopt a position that takes the strain off
In the event of severe pain, the so-called elevated position can be comfortable. This involves lying on your back and resting your lower legs on a chair or the sofa. Your hip and knee joints should be bent at roughly a right angle.
This position can temporarily relieve pressure on the lower back. However, it should only be used for short-term relief and should not be maintained throughout the day.
4. Use painkillers only when necessary and for a short period
Anti-inflammatory painkillers such as ibuprofen can help in the short term. However, they are not suitable for everyone – for example, in cases of certain stomach, kidney or cardiovascular conditions, during pregnancy, or when taking certain other medicines.
Painkillers should therefore be taken in accordance with the package leaflet and, where possible, after consulting a doctor or pharmacist. Different painkillers should not be combined without professional advice.
5. Do not stretch or attempt to ‘pop it back into place’ to relieve the pain
Gentle movements are advisable. However, vigorous stretching, sudden attempts to ‘pop it back into place’ or exercises that significantly worsen the pain should be avoided during the acute phase.
Anything that can be performed carefully and in a controlled manner is permitted. As soon as the back regains some mobility, the level of exertion can be gradually increased.
How long does lumbago last?
Lumbago often improves significantly within a few days. Sometimes it can take a few weeks for the symptoms to disappear completely.
If the pain persists for longer, becomes more severe or recurs, it is advisable to see a doctor. However, an X-ray or MRI scan is usually not necessary for ordinary lumbago. Often, a detailed consultation and a physical examination are sufficient.
When should you see a doctor for lumbago?
Certain symptoms are not consistent with uncomplicated lumbago and should be assessed by a doctor promptly. These include:
- new-onset paralysis or marked weakness in one leg
- numbness in the buttocks, genitals or inner thighs
- difficulty passing urine or controlling urine or stools
- severe pain following a fall or accident
- fever or chills
- unexplained weight loss
- very severe pain that persists even at rest
- a known history of osteoporosis or cancer
If you experience symptoms of paralysis, numbness in the genital or buttock area, or bladder and bowel dysfunction, you must seek medical help immediately.
How can you prevent lumbago?
There is no way to completely prevent it. However, regular exercise can significantly reduce the risk of recurring back pain.
The following are particularly helpful:
- regular walking or strolling
- targeted exercises for the abdominal and back muscles
- strength and stabilisation training for the abdomen, back and pelvis
- frequent changes of position when working in a seated position
- a gradual increase in unfamiliar physical exertion
- lifting heavy objects correctly and close to the body
- sufficient rest and a conscious approach to managing stress
It does not have to be a particularly intensive exercise programme. The key is that exercise takes place regularly and fits into your daily routine in the long term.
Frequently asked questions about lumbago
Is lumbago dangerous?
Usually not. Whilst uncomplicated lumbago is very painful, it is generally temporary and does not indicate permanent back damage. However, warning signs such as paralysis, numbness in the genital area, or bladder and bowel problems must be investigated immediately.
Should you lie down or move around when you have lumbago?
Brief periods of rest are fine, but lying down for long periods is usually not helpful. Careful movement and maintaining as normal a daily routine as possible generally support recovery better.
Does heat help with lumbago?
Many sufferers find heat soothing. It can relax tense muscles and make movement easier. Whether heat helps depends on the individual.
Can lumbago be caused by stress?
Stress is rarely the sole cause, but it can exacerbate muscle tension and back pain. Often, several factors combine, such as a lack of exercise, uneven strain and tension.
Conclusion: Take lumbago seriously, but do not rest unnecessarily
Lumbago causes sudden, severe pain in the lower back, but is usually harmless and temporary. Careful movement, heat applied as comfortably as possible, and short-term relief can help. Too much rest tends to delay a return to everyday life.
If you experience radiating pain accompanied by numbness, muscle weakness, paralysis or problems with the bladder or bowel, immediate medical assessment is required.
This article is for general information purposes only and is not a substitute for personal medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
Sources and further information:
Gesundheitsinformation.de (IQWiG): Back and lower back pain
gesund.bund.de: Back pain – causes, progression and rehabilitation
Eva Bano is the managing partner of BANO Healthcare GmbH and has been at the helm of this Austrian family-run business since 2009. She is responsible for the development, manufacture and marketing of medicinal products, medical devices, natural products and food supplements.
As Regulatory Affairs Manager, Quality Management Representative in accordance with EN ISO 13485 and Person Responsible for Regulatory Compliance (PRRC) under the MDR, she combines business experience with in-depth expertise in quality, product safety and regulatory requirements. Her aim is to present health information in an accessible way and to offer high-quality products with demonstrable benefits.
