LUMBAGO or Low Backache
Low back pain (or lumbago) is a common musculoskeletal disorder affecting
80% of people at some point in their life.
The term lumbago is not a medical diagnosis in a strict sense. It
describes however an illness condition. Under the term lumbago, one
understands a sudden, severe back pain of the lumbar vertebrae that
leads to an inability to move. The pain can be acute or chronic and
affects young and old people.
Causes-
There can be many precipitating causes for backache. In the majority of
cases, it is impossible to identify the exact cause of backache. Still
in 25% of cases, however, it is possible to identify the cause. They
are listed below-
1. Herniated Disc (sometimes called a slipped disc)
2. Osteoarthritis or Spondylosis (spinal arthritis)
3. Osteoporosis (brittle bone disease, spinal fracture)
4. Rheumatoid Arthritis (progressive, sometimes destructive arthritis)
5. Scoliosis (abnormal curvature of the spine to the left or right)
6. Spinal Stenosis (compression of the spinal nerves)
7. Spinal Tumor (benign or malignant/cancer)
8. Injury
9. Bad posture
Symptoms-
- Pain
across the lower part of the back that sometimes radiates into the
buttocks, the back of the thigh or to the groin. The pain is usually
worse on movement.
- Limitation
in movement of the spine - especially bending forward and leaning back.
- Tense
spasm of the muscles surrounding the spine and causing a stiff back.
- With
severe pain and spasm, the back may tilt to one side causing a change
in posture.
- The
pain is sometimes accompanied by a tingling sensation or numbness in
the back or buttocks or leg.
Alarming
Signs-
1.Unable to control your bladder or bowel movements
2.The area of the lower back or legs turns numb
3.Reduction in strength or muscle bulk in one or both legs
These warning signs indicate compression of the spinal cord and its
branches and early treatment is essential if permanent damage is to be
avoided.
Diagnosis-
1.Complete case history taken by doctor.
2.Physical and neurological examination done by splecialist.
3.Imaging- CT scan, X- Ray, MRI.
Treatment
There are an assortment of non-surgical treatments for lumbago,
including exercise and gentle stretches for the back, medications and
sometimes application of hot or cold compresses can help as well.
Prevention
1.Adopt correct & good posture.
2.Exercise regularly - especially swimming.
3.Avoid Jerky movements or rides.
4.Don't stay in the one position for too long.
5.Lift correctly with by legs, not by back.
6.Do not bend at the waist to lift.
7.Support lower back when sitting.
8.Buy a special cushion if necessary, particularly for driving.
9.Try and sleep on side - ensure have a firm mattress.
10.Get up from the bed by turning to the side and don't get up straight
from the bed.
Role of homoeopathy
Homoeopathy plays an important role in cases of lumbago. Homoeopathic
medicines have been proved effective in reducing the intensity of
symptoms. Along with this, proper exercise is advisable to the patient.
In cases of obesity, losing weight is advised in order to reduce
mechanical injury.
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