Lumbago is a term used to describe mild to severe pain in the lower back or lumbar area. It can appear at any age, and people who do heavy physical work are commonly affected. The elderly are also very susceptible to such pain.
There are signs to look out for that may indicate the onset of lumbago, including involuntary bowel movements and loss of bladder control. The sufferer may also begin to feel a numbness or unfamiliar tingling in the lower back, buttocks, or the lungs. Another warning sign can include slight aches and pains in one or both of the legs. The pain may be accompanied by weakness, and the muscles may seem to be deteriorating.
The major symptom of lumbago is acute or chronic pain felt across the lower back, sometimes as far down as the thigh area. It may also be felt in the regions in-between, such as the buttocks or groin.
Another symptom for some people is spasms in the back. The condition affects the muscles around the spine area, although the spasms may also happen in the neck area, and sufferers often experience a stiffening of the neck. The pain and spasms can cause a change in the person's posture, as he or she leans to one side in order to ease the pain. Leaning forward and backward frequently is also common.
Lumbago can have an adverse affect on the sufferer's life if it is chronic. Chronic pain can last for more than three months, and if this condition is diagnosed by a medical professional, then a number of treatments can be discussed. Massage, swimming exercises, and physiotherapy may help with this type of pain. Some people, however, cannot be helped, and the pain will continue.
If treatment for the lower back pain is started early enough, then the symptoms can usually be treated effectively. People who have weak back or stomach muscles may find that lower back pain occurs throughout their life. Exercise is one of the best preventative measures for such pain.