Medical term:

lumbago

[lum-ba´go]

pain in the lumbar region of the back, an old popular term for lower back pain. It includes various different conditions caused by factors such as injury, back strain, arthritis, abuse of the back muscles (such as from poor posture, a sagging mattress, or ill-fitting shoes), or any of a number of other disorders.

lum·ba·go

(lŭm-bā'gō),

Pain in mid and lower back; a descriptive term not specifying cause.

[L. fr. lumbus, loin]

Farlex Partner Medical Dictionary © Farlex 2012

lumbago

(lŭm-bā′gō)

A painful condition of the lower back, as one resulting from muscle strain or a slipped disk.

lum·ba·go

(lŭm-bā'gō)

Pain in mid and lower back; a descriptive term not specifying cause.
Synonym(s): lumbar rheumatism.

[L. fr. lumbus, loin]

Medical Dictionary for the Health Professions and Nursing © Farlex 2012

lumbago

Severe and incapacitating pain in the LUMBAR region. Lumbago is a symptom, not a disease, and may be caused by many different conditions.

Collins Dictionary of Medicine © Robert M. Youngson 2004, 2005

Patient discussion about lumbago

Q. I have a low back pain that radiates to my leg when i pick up stuff. Is it a disc herniation? I am a 43 years old bank teller. During the past 5 months I've suffered from a low back pain. The pain is not very strong, but it gets much worse while doing physical activity. When i walk or lift heavy things the pain is even stronger, and it radiates to my left leg. Can it be signs for disc herniation?

A. It's possible that you have a nerve impingement from a disc herniation, but not necessarily so. What you need to know is that even if you have a herniated disc, the question is what would the recommended treatment be?
90% or more of herniated discs resolve without surgical treatment within 6 months. MRI imaging is generally only indicated if one is considering surgery; in other words, your pain and neurological status is such that surgery is clinically indicated. Then, an MRI may be helpful for the surgeon. If surgery is not indicated based on clinical/symptoms, then it probably is unwise to get an MRI. They often show abnormalities that are simply 'red herrings' and often prompt people to proceed with surgery that really is not needed. Beware!

Q. What is the best way to strengthen the low back muscles? After having a low back strain I've been told I need to work better on the lower back muscles as too much stress is on them and they're not strong enough to handle it...any suggestions?

A. i have lower back strains but that is because i run. my back muscles are stronger then abdomen muscles and that causes an imbalance. the best way is starting swimming. the best sport for the body... and a thing to do for now (not instead of swimming just for the time being until you'll develop muscles)- lay on your stomach on a bed with your head sticking out for about 10-15 minutes every now and then. this will lengthen your back muscle and prevent strains for now.

Q. I have developed a low back pain from some heavy lifting over the weekend. What tests in the doctor's office can I expect to confirm this. And what should the treatment be. I suspect a sacriliac strain.

A. More than likely you have developed some muscle strain. If the pain goes away on it's own after rest for a few days, I suspect that's all it is. If the pain persists and starts to radiate down your buttocks and leg(s), then you should see an orthopedic surgeon for more extensive tests. Good luck to you.

More discussions about lumbago

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