Understanding Lumbago: What is it & When to Get Treated?

The human body is a wonderful thing; made up of 206 bones, a vast network of nerve systems and a complex structure of joints, muscles, ligaments, nerves and tendons, it’s amazing how our bodies work. However, any damage to these complex structures can result in persistent pain.

An area of the body that a large majority of people often complain about hurting is the back - and it doesn’t take much to cause an issue that leaves you grimacing with every stretch, twist or movement. Read on below as we discuss the causes of certain back pain below and when you should seek treatment.

What is Lumbago?

Lumbago is the official term used to describe pain experienced in the lower back - the lumbar area of your spine. Back pain can be felt anywhere along your spine from your neck down to your hips, however it’s particularly common for many individuals to experience pain in their lower back.

Whilst there are certain medical conditions that may cause lumbago, such as sciatica or a slipped disc, oftentimes it’s not possible to identify a specific cause. It could be a sprain or strain as a result of an injury, or simply occur for no apparent reason.

It’s very rare for lumbago to be caused by anything serious, however that doesn’t dismiss the fact that the longer the pain occurs without getting better or being easily relieved, the more it can affect your daily life and cause you grief.

When Should You Seek Treatment?

There are things you can try at home to help relieve lumbago pain. These include:

●     Staying active (e.g. walking, swimming, yoga, pilates)

●     Daily gentle back exercises and stretches

●     Using hot and cold packs on the affected area

●     Taking painkillers; non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, may help relieve back pain

If you find that none of these methods are effective in relieving your pain, or the pain is continuing to persist after a few weeks, then it may be time to look at more specialist lumbago treatment, such as manual therapy.

How a Chiropractor Can Help

Chiropractic manipulation is a form of natural manual therapy used to treat problems and/or conditions affecting the nerves, joints or muscles of the body. A chiropractor will hold a consultation with you to discuss the pain you're experiencing, including where it hurts, what it feels like and how it affects your daily activities.

They will then assess the best way to treat this pain. Typical treatment will involve skilled hand movements to apply force to your joints and soft tissues; manipulating the joints in this way can help to adjust dysfunctions in the spine that could be the root of your pain, often bringing instant relief to patients.

Depending on your condition and how long you have been experiencing pain, you may only require one or two visits, however your chiropractor may recommend more management, including pain relief therapy, home exercises and postural correction to help alleviate your pain in the long run. Alternatively, if they feel that you won’t benefit from chiropractic treatment, then they may recommend an alternative treatment, such as massage therapy, or refer you to your GP.



Here at The Hillsborough Chiropractic Clinic, our professional team are proud to offer a range of treatments for lumbago, including treatment from qualified chiropractors and massage therapy from experienced practitioners. Get in touch with us today to arrange your free spinal screening.