Lumbago

Lumbago, commonly known as lower back pain

Lumbago, commonly known as lower back pain, is a condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It can be debilitating and affect the quality of life for those who suffer from it. In this article, we will explore what lumbago is, the causes and risk factors, symptoms, and possible treatments, including those from oriental medicine.

What is Lumbago?

Lumbago is a term used to describe lower back pain. It can range from mild discomfort to severe pain, and it may come and go or be chronic. Lumbago can affect people of any age but is most common in adults over 40 years of age.

Causes and Risk Factors

The causes of lumbago can be numerous, and often it is challenging to identify a specific cause. The following are some common causes of lumbago:

• Muscle strain: This is the most common cause of lumbago, usually caused by overuse, improper lifting techniques, or sudden movements.

• Degenerative disc disease: This is a condition that occurs with aging when the discs between the vertebrae of the spine break down and lose their cushioning ability.

• Herniated disc: This is a condition where the soft tissue inside a spinal disc bulges out and puts pressure on the nerves in the spine.

• Spinal stenosis: This is a condition where the spinal canal narrows, putting pressure on the nerves.

• Osteoporosis: This is a condition where the bones become brittle and weak, making them more susceptible to fractures, including those in the spine.

• The following are some risk factors that can increase the likelihood of developing lumbago:

• Age: As people age, the likelihood of developing lumbago increases.

• Genetics: Some people may be predisposed to lumbago due to genetic factors.

• Poor posture: Sitting or standing with poor posture can put strain on the lower back muscles.

• Obesity: Being overweight can put extra pressure on the lower back.

• Smoking: Smoking can contribute to degenerative disc disease, making it more likely to develop lumbago.

Symptoms

The symptoms of lumbago can vary from person to person, but common symptoms include:

• Pain in the lower back that can be sharp or dull.

• Stiffness in the lower back.

• Pain that radiates down into the legs or buttocks.

• Weakness or numbness in the legs or feet.

• Difficulty standing up straight or bending over.

Prevention and Treatment

Prevention of lumbago is possible by taking care of the spine and avoiding activities that put undue stress on it. Here are some tips:

• Maintain good posture while sitting and standing.

• Lift heavy objects with your legs, not your back.

• Exercise regularly to strengthen the muscles in the lower back and improve flexibility.

• Maintain a healthy weight.

• Quit smoking.

Treatment for lumbago typically involves a combination of rest, pain medication, physical therapy, and exercises to strengthen the muscles in the lower back. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to correct a herniated disc or spinal stenosis.

Oriental Medicine and Lumbago

Oriental medicine, including acupuncture and acupressure, can be a useful treatment option for lumbago. Acupuncture involves the insertion of fine needles into specific points on the body to stimulate the flow of energy or "qi." Acupressure is a similar technique but uses finger pressure on the same points.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) considers lumbago to be related to imbalances in the liver and kidney meridians. Acupuncture and acupressure can be used to stimulate these meridians and promote the flow of qi, which can help alleviate pain and promote healing.

In addition to acupuncture and acupressure, TCM also recommends other natural remedies for lumbago, including herbal medicine, moxibustion, and cupping therapy. Herbal medicine involves the use of specific herbs and formulas to promote healing and balance in the body. Moxibustion involves burning a small amount of dried mugwort near specific acupuncture points to stimulate healing. Cupping therapy involves the use of cups to create suction on the skin, which can help relieve tension and improve circulation.

While TCM can be effective in treating lumbago, it is important to consult a licensed and experienced practitioner to ensure that you receive the correct treatment for your specific condition. Additionally, TCM should be used as a complementary treatment alongside conventional medical treatments, rather than as a replacement for them.

Conclusion

Lumbago is a common condition that can be caused by a variety of factors. While prevention is possible through maintaining good posture, exercise, and a healthy lifestyle, treatment may be necessary for those who develop lumbago. Conventional medical treatments such as rest, pain medication, and physical therapy are effective, but alternative treatments such as acupuncture and acupressure may also be useful in managing pain and promoting healing. By working with a healthcare provider, individuals can find the best treatment options to manage their lumbago and improve their quality of life.

References

• "A systematic review of dry needling for low back pain" (2019) by Li Y, et al. This systematic review examined the effectiveness of dry needling for low back pain, and found that it was effective in reducing pain and improving function in the short-term.

• "A systematic review of herbal medicines for the treatment of non-specific low back pain" (2017) by Lee JH, et al. This systematic review examined the effectiveness of herbal medicines for low back pain, and found that several herbs, such as devil's claw and white willow bark, were effective in reducing pain and improving function.

• "Acupuncture for chronic low back pain: a multicenter, randomized, patient-assessor blind, sham-controlled clinical trial" (2013) by Choi TY, et al. This study investigated the efficacy of acupuncture for chronic low back pain, and found that acupuncture was more effective than a sham control, and that the effects lasted for up to 6 months.

• "Comparison of the effectiveness of electroacupuncture and manual acupuncture for low back pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis" (2018) by Wang Y, et al. This systematic review and meta-analysis compared the effectiveness of electroacupuncture and manual acupuncture for low back pain, and found that both were effective, but electroacupuncture was more effective.

• "Effect of acupressure on back pain in patients with chronic spinal cord injury" (2018) by El-Sayed WS, et al. This study investigated the effectiveness of acupressure for chronic low back pain in patients with spinal cord injuries, and found that acupressure was effective in reducing pain and improving function.

• "Effectiveness of Cupping Therapy for Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis" (2019) by Cao H, et al. This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the effectiveness of cupping therapy for low back pain, and found that it was effective in reducing pain and improving function.

• "Effectiveness of Korean Medicine Treatment for Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis" (2021) by Kim JE, et al. This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the effectiveness of Korean Medicine treatment for low back pain, and found that it was effective in reducing pain and improving function.

• "Effectiveness of Traditional Chinese Medicine for the Management of Chronic Low Back Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis" (2018) by Lin X, et al. This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the effectiveness of Traditional Chinese Medicine for chronic low back pain, and found that it was effective in reducing pain and improving function.

• "Massage therapy for low back pain: a systematic review" (2015) by Cherkin DC, et al. This systematic review examined the effectiveness of massage therapy for low back pain, and found that it was effective in reducing pain and improving function in the short-term.

• "Yoga for low back pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis" (2017) by Wieland LS, et al. This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the effectiveness of yoga for low back pain, and found that it was effective in reducing pain and improving function in the short-term.