lumbago

Lumbago, or lower back pain, is a non-specific term describing ache, stiffness, or discomfort in the lumbar region. It is not a disease in itself but a symptom that may reflect a range of conditions. Lumbago is common in adults and can affect people of any age, with peak prevalence in middle age.

Most acute lumbago is non-specific mechanical low back pain resulting from strain or overuse of the muscles and ligaments of the back, facet joints, or supporting soft tissues. Other contributors include degenerative changes in the spine, disc problems, or referred pain from the hips or sacroiliac joints. Less common but important causes are infections, tumors, inflammatory conditions, or nerve compression requiring urgent evaluation.

Evaluation is typically clinical, based on history and physical examination. Imaging is not routinely needed for uncomplicated cases. Red flags that warrant further workup or urgent treatment include severe or progressive neurological deficit, saddle anesthesia, bowel or bladder dysfunction, fever with weight loss, persistent night pain, significant trauma, or new onset in an older adult with concerning features.

Management emphasizes conservative care: stay as active as possible within tolerance, use shorter courses of analgesics such as NSAIDs or acetaminophen, and consider physical therapy and structured exercise. Education on posture and body mechanics is important. For chronic or recurrent pain, multidisciplinary approaches, injections, or surgical evaluation may be considered in selected cases. Most episodes improve within days to weeks, though recurrences are common.