What is Lumbar Pain?
Lumbar pain is also known as Lumbago or Lower Back Pain.
There can be a variety of causes for lumbar pain and the pain can originate in:
-
- The lumbar spine.
- The spinal cord and nerves.
- The discs between the vertebrae.
- The ligaments around the spine and discs.
- The muscles of the low back.
- The internal organs of the pelvis and abdomen.
- The skin covering the lumbar area.
- A hernia in the groin A problem in the testicles or ovaries.
- Pain radiating from other areas (e.g. your mid or upper back).
Lumbar pain does not necessarily need to be caused by one event. Long term problems
with posture; the way you stand, sit, or lift can cause lumbar pain. Even if poor
long term posture is not the cause, it can weaken the muscles leaving the lower
back vulnerable to injury through any simple movement, such as reaching/stretching
to lift an item, or bending down.
Lumbar pain is:
- Acute if an episode of pain lasts less than 3 months. Most incidences of back pain
are acute and disappear within 4 to 6 weeks of self treatment.
- Recurrent if acute symptoms come back. Most people have at least one episode of
recurrent low back pain.
- Chronic if your back bothers you most of the time for longer than 3 months.
Who Is Affected by Lumbar Pain?
Both sexes, all ages.
What Are the Symptoms of Lumbar Pain?
As there are many causes for lumbar pain, there are also a variety of symptoms.
Lumbar pain may: -
- Come on gradually or suddenly.
- Be felt at a single point or over a broad area.
- Be dull, burning, or sharp.
- Occur with muscle spasms or stiffness.
- Cause sciatic nerve damage symptoms in the legs, such as pain, numbness, or tingling.
These symptoms can occur with or without lumbar pain.
Allopathic Treatment Options
Acute lumbar pain: -
- Painkillers NSAIDs (such as ibuprofen).
- Advice to stay active.
- Spinal manipulation.
- Muscle relaxants.
- TENS (trans electrical nerve stimulation).
- Epidural steroid injections. Traction.
Chronic lumbar pain: -
- Physiotherapy (back exercises).
- Painkillers such as Analgesics or NSAIDs.
- Triggerpoint and ligament injection.
- Spinal manipulation.
- TENS (trans electrical nerve stimulation).
- Muscle relaxants.
- Epidural injections.
- Lumbar supports.
- Advice to stay mobile and active.
Complementary Treatment Options
SHIATSU
Shiatsu has been found to be extremely beneficial in the treatment of lumbar pain,
releasing muscle tension, alleviating pain, and creating a feeling of wellbeing.
Shiatsu is usually experienced as deeply relaxing and practitioners can work with
conditions of both acute and chronic natures.
Pro-Holistic provides Shiatsu,
Healing Chi Kung therapy, on-site massage, Stress Mangement courses, and Stress Mangement workshops. We also provide tuition in Chi Kung,
Tai Chi, Neijia,
and self defence.