Lumbago
Lumbago is a common term for lower back pain, a condition affecting many individuals worldwide. It can range from a mild, dull ache to severe, debilitating pain and significantly impact one’s quality of life.
Common Conditions That Cause Lumbago
Lumbago can be caused by a variety of factors, often related to the strain and health of the muscles, nerves, and spine in the lower back area. Common conditions include:
- Muscle or ligament sprain: Repeated heavy lifting or a sudden awkward movement can strain back muscles and spinal ligaments. The difference between a sprain and a strain in the spine lies in the tissues affected. A sprain is an injury to the ligaments, which are the tough bands of fibrous tissue that connect bones to each other and stabilise the joints. In the spine, a sprain may occur when these ligaments are overstretched or torn due to a sudden twist, fall, or impact.
- A muscle strain, on the other hand, refers to an injury to the muscles or tendons, which are the cords of tissue that connect muscles to bones. A strain in the spine can happen from overstretching or tearing these tissues, often due to activities like improper lifting, overuse, or awkward movements. Both conditions can cause pain, swelling, and limited movement, and the treatment may include rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE), along with physical therapy or medication for more severe cases. It’s important to consult a chiropractor, physio or other relevant healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
- Bulging or ruptured disks: Disks act as cushions between the bones (vertebrae) in your spine. The soft material inside a disk can bulge or rupture and press on a nerve.
- Arthritis: Osteoarthritis can affect the lower back. In some cases, arthritis in the spine can lead to a narrowing of the space around the spinal cord, a condition called spinal stenosis.
- Skeletal irregularities: A condition in which your spine curves to the side (scoliosis) can lead to back pain, but generally only if the scoliosis is severe.
- Osteoporosis: Your spine’s vertebrae can develop painful fractures if your bones become porous and brittle.
Treatment for Lumbago
The treatment for lumbago typically starts with conservative care, including:
- Rest: Short periods of rest can help, but prolonged bed rest is not recommended.
Heat or cold therapy: Applying heat or cold may relieve pain. Ice packs can reduce inflammation, and heat can relax tense muscles. - Manual therapy: Chiropractic or Physiotherapy can be very helpful in managing the pain
- Pain relief medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be used to alleviate pain.
If symptoms persist, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional who may recommend physical therapy, prescribe stronger medications, or consider other interventions.
Treatment Options
Treatment options for lumbago vary based on the severity and cause of the pain:
- Chiropractic Care: A combination of tailored hands-on techniques, aimed to improve how the body functions and reduce pain.
- Physiotherapy: Strengthening and stretching exercises can improve mobility and strengthen the muscles supporting your back.
- Medications: If over-the-counter medications are not effective, your doctor may prescribe NSAIDs, muscle relaxants, or other drugs.
- Surgery: In severe cases, such as when there is nerve damage or structural issues, surgery may be necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our team
Tom Cairns
Chriopractor
MChiro DC
”My goal is to deliver the best care possible to every one of my patients, to give them control back in their lives other the pain that has been getting in the way”
Dani Cowley
Sports Therapist
“My goal is to help all my patients return to their preferred activity whilst maintaining a pain-free and healthy lifestyle. I always aim to go one step further by minimising the risk of future injury through rehabilitation plans and hands-on therapy.”
Will Norton
Chriopractor
MChiro DC
“ To me Chiropractic approach to pain makes sense. There are many factors at play and I like to address all of these areas by fully understanding each case. I take a multifaceted approach to improve both the short-term and long-term pain”
Jonathan Wride
Specialist Physiotherapist
HCPC MCSP AACP PgC Injection Therapy, MSK Sonographer and Independent Prescriber:
“I’m passionate about giving patients instant access to high-level diagnostics and specialist treatments, helping to reduce the waiting times of patients and hopefully speeding up their recovery.”
Fees
Chiropractic Initial Consultation – £75)
Chiropractic Follow-up treatment – £48
Physiotherapy consultation – £75
Follow up Physiotherapy appointment – £75
Sports Therapy Consultation – £60
Follow up Sports therapy appointment – £35
Opening Times
| Monday | 8.30 – 7.00 |
| Tuesday | 8.30 – 7.00 |
| Wednesday | 8.30 – 7.00 |
| Thursday | 8.30 – 7.00 |
| Friday | 8.30 – 7.00 |
| Saturday | 9:00 – 1:00 |
| Sunday | Closed |
