Lumbago can leave you stiff, sore and struggling to get going in the morning. We find out what’s behind it and help you move comfortably again.
What is lumbago and what causes it?
Lumbago is a general term for pain in the middle to lower back. It can have several causes, including:
- Lifting with poor technique, or lifting something too heavy
- Overusing your back
- Another underlying condition
Weak tummy muscles are a common factor, as they put more strain on the muscles in your back. A muscle or ligament sprain or spasm, compression in the spine, or a bulging or ruptured disc can all add pressure too.
What are the symptoms of lumbago?
Your symptoms may include:
- Lower back pain that doesn’t spread down your legs
- Back stiffness, especially in the morning
- Poor posture or an ‘S’-shaped curve in your spine
Less common symptoms may include:
- Reduced control of your foot
- Stiffness in other parts of your back
- Loss of feeling in your calves or the soles of your feet
If you notice changes in feeling or control in your legs or feet, get your back checked promptly.
Physiotherapy for lumbago
If you think you have lumbago, physiotherapy can help.
Treatment aims to reduce your pain and stiffness, build strength and improve your posture. That gives your back better support and makes everyday movement easier.
Your treatment at Recover Physio may include:
- Soft tissue massage
- Joint mobilisation and manipulative treatment techniques
- Exercises to improve your posture
- Targeted stretches for your back and pelvis
- Heat therapy
- A structured strength and stability programme for the back and trunk muscles to support the spine
- Advice on adapting your daily activities
- Acupuncture
- Mobilisations with movement
