The disease with the unusual name "lumbago" is nothing more than a known attack of acute pain in the lower back, or, as it is also called, lumbago. The name comes from the Latin word Lumbus, which means the lower back, so there is really nothing unusual about it. Pain occurs when the muscles of the waist tension. Stronger from lumbago are more often representatives of a male, in the most able-bodied age - from 30 to 50 years.
Lumbago causes
The cause of acute pain in the lower back can be:
- osteochondrosis (dystrophic disorders in joints of intervertebral discs);
- intervertebral hernia as a consequence of osteochondrosis;
- excessive or severe physical activity;
- supercooling;
- cold;
- injuries;
- tumors;
- infectious diseases;
- the need for a long time is in an uncomfortable position;
- congenital anatomical abnormalities;
- rheumatoid arthritis;
- stress, depression.
An acute attack of lumbago develops as a result of compression of the nerve endings of the spinal cord. Sensitive roots can be squeezed by a disc that falls out with a hernia or as a result of a decrease in the intervertebral gap in osteochondrosis. When the nerve endings and ligaments are irritated, the tonic tension of the muscle fibers inevitably occurs. Such a condition will necessarily treat the treatment, in the opposite case the situation with time will only worsen and the seizures become more frequent, prolonged and painful.
Lumbago symptoms
The first and most important symptom of lumbago is pain. It usually arises sharply and suddenly, characterized by patients as pulsating, shooting, tearing, stitching, very intense. It increases with the change of position, the turn of the trunk. Usually the pain is most acute the first few hours from the onset, then it can fade or disappear, but again at night. It often lasts from a few days to a week in primary cases and can last for several months in chronic cases. In addition to back pain, many patients report a headache.
It is also felt strongly the tension of the muscles of the waist, possibly limiting the mobility of the back. Gluteal and hip muscles may also be strained. The patient often stiffens in a forced strange for the surrounding position, which he can not change because of pain and tension. When taking a recumbent position, these symptoms soften.
There are cases when, in addition to lumbago, there is also a pinch of the sciatic nerve. In lumbago with sciatica, the symptoms described above are joined by:
- weakness and numbness in one or both legs;
- restriction of leg mobility;
- feeling of burning and tingling in the legs;
- pain on the back of the thigh;
- numbness of saddle zone;
- urinary incontinence .
How is the lumbago diagnosed?
Diagnosis should be carried out by a neurologist. After collecting anamnesis and examining the patient, he conducts motor tests to determine the nature of lesions, the state of muscles, the ability of motor and sensitive functions. The auxiliary methods of diagnosis include:
- X-ray examination;
- magnetic resonance tomography;
- computed tomography ;
- electroneuromyography;
- scintigraphy;
- general blood and urine tests.
Despite numerous diagnostic methods, about a third of cases of lumbago disease remain without a clear cause.
Prevention of lumbago
To avoid getting acquainted with lumbago, you must avoid:
- excessive physical exertion;
- hypothermia;
- long stay in one position.
It is also worth giving time to training your back muscles and leading a healthy lifestyle.