Lumbago is the term used to describe low back pain. The pain can range from mild to severe, and can be acute or chronic. In many cases, it may radiate into the pelvis and upper legs.

Low back pain may be caused by a wide variety of diseases and disorders that affect the lumbar spine as well as by an injury or sudden jolt, such as in a car accident, and other stress on spinal bones and tissues.

The most common underlying causes of lumbago include:

• Muscle strains caused by heavy lifting, bending, stooping, obesity or pregnancy
• Lumbar herniated disc
• Lumbar bulging disc
• Lumbar stenosis
• Compression fracture
• Cancer
• Infections or abscesses
• Arthritis
• Scoliosis
• Kyphosis
• Spondylitis (arthritis that affects the spine)
• Osteoporosis
• Fibromyalgia

The typical symptoms of lumbago are pain (sporadic or constant) that may radiate down the leg, muscle spasms, numbness or weakness in the legs, and stiffness in the lower back, especially in the morning.

Most low back pain lasts from a few days to a few weeks and can be treated without surgery.

The spine specialists at Lancaster Orthopedic Group are experts in the non-surgical treatment of lumbago, which include rest and immobilization, physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and acupuncture. In the case of chronic pain, surgery may be needed to repair an underlying condition.