Lumbago: Warning shot for the back

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MunichOne wrong movement, an unusual strain - and suddenly it hits you in the back: the lumbago. The acute low back pain, as doctors call it, usually subsides within a few days. The sudden lower back pain is still a warning shot for the back that should be taken seriously.

"Anyone can get a lumbago. Nevertheless, you should take it as an opportunity to do more for your back health. This is especially important for people who have to sit a lot because of their work," says Dr. Johannes Flechtenmacher, President of the Professional Association of Orthopedists and Trauma Surgeons.

Just dragged or seriously ill?

Lumbago manifests itself as a shooting pain in the lumbar area. Overloaded intervertebral joints or strained and tense back muscles often force the person affected into a stooped position. Lumbago triggers, for example, are jerky movements, lifting heavy loads and twisting, which are favored by weak and shortened trunk muscles.

While minor pain that does not interfere with everyday life usually subsides on its own, a visit to a specialist is required if the pain persists and is severe. This is especially true if accompanying symptoms such as sensory disturbances or paralysis occur.

"Even with severe pain, the prognosis for lumbago is usually good," says Prof. Bernd Kladny from the German Society for Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery. After one to six weeks of treatment, the ghost is usually over. In rare cases, however, lumbago can also be due to a serious spinal disease. "There could be a herniated disc that is pressing on a nerve," said the orthopedist.

Move in spite of pain

People who are hit by lumbago should not remain in a stiff relieving posture despite the pain, but should continue to move actively. This promotes healing in almost all cases. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help, but they can be taken for a maximum of two to three days. In addition, heat applications such as hot baths or red light support the healing process. Heavy physical exertion is taboo with back pain.

If that is not enough, the orthopedic surgeon can reliably relieve the acute pain in the right place with anesthetic injections. Physiotherapy and osteopathic treatments can also help.

Training for the back

80 to 85 percent of people in Germany will suffer from back pain at some point in their life. The best prevention is exercise and strong abdominal and back muscles. Untrained people should take it slow: In the heat of the moment, many put too much strain on their unprepared spine.

For a strong back, doctors recommend more exercise in everyday life and regular exercise. In addition, you should pay attention to a back-friendly posture - when sitting at the desk as well as during stress. (cf)

Source: Press release of the German Society for Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery (DGOU) e.V., March 1st, 2015

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