Lumbago

For those of you who are unfamiliar with the term “lumbago,” it refers to low back pain.  The two terms are often used interchangeably.  Lumbago is something that can be experienced at any age; however it tends to worsen with advancing age.  The underlying causes of lumbago can be complex and are not always completely apparent just by looking at someone.  At Total Home Health we firmly believe that the client is the only one that can describe their pain.  Therefore, with Total Home Health we will focus totally on your description of the pain you are experiencing, and will always take your complaints seriously in order to keep you as comfortable as possible while maintaining your independence.

Lumbago, or low back pain, is caused by damage to a muscle (strain) or ligament (sprain).  Commonly lumbago is caused by improper lifting, poor posture, lack of regular physical activity, fractures, a ruptured disk, or arthritis.  Often the only symptom will be pain in the affected area, which is why it may not be evident to others that you are experiencing lumbago.  Generally, lumbago occurs in the back, hip, leg, tailbone, or muscle and bone.  Also, leg numbness or muscle spasms can accompany the lumbago, depending on what part of the body is affected.  If your pain becomes chronic, or lasts more than three months, and you or your loved one observes that it is interfering with the activities you complete on a daily basis, you should definitely contact your provider for more treatment options.  Plus, if your pain has occurred from an acute injury such as from heavy lifting or sports, you should contact your provider if it does not get better within 72 hours.

Clients who experience lumbago most often complain of anything ranging from a dull ache to a stabbing or shooting pain sensation in the affected area.  The pain may make it increasingly hard to stand up straight or move like they once considered normal.  Severe back pain could warrant immediate medical attention and you should not hesitate to contact your provider, especially if you experience a loss in bowel or bladder control, have leg weakness, fever, and/or pain when coughing or urinating.

The good thing about lumbago is that there is a great chance that it will resolve on its own and it can usually be treated at home without medical attention.  Use of a heating pad or taking a warm bath may provide temporary pain relief.  Rest is a good thing too, although you probably may not feel like getting out of bed.  However, if the culprit for you lumbago is from a muscle strain, physicians generally recommend that you should return to your normal activities as soon as possible to maintain your muscle tone and flexibility.  The longer you stay in bed and avoid moving the muscle, the greater the chance will be that the pain will worsen.

There are several treatment options for lumbago which depend upon the underlying causes of your pain and your current health condition.  Your provider will determine which option would be the best for you.  Treatment options include, but are not limited to:

·      Rest

·      Heating pad

·      Warm bath

·      Chiropractor manipulation

·      Massage

·      Acupuncture

·      Yoga

·      Medication

·      Injections

·      Surgery

·      Physical therapy

There are also basic rules to follow to prevent lumbago from happening to you or someone you love, which include:

·      Maintaining a healthy weight for your body type.

·      Engaging in regular physical activity.

·      Always lift with your legs, never your back.

Total Home Health has a program that is right for you and your lumbago experience.  Our staff will be your go to person for advice related to prevention and treatment of any low back pain that you may encounter during your care.  Our experienced nurses will be your advocate during your treatment process, and will help to provide services such as education regarding pain medication and also how to correctly manage your medication.  Physical therapy staff will also be available for you when you are enrolled with Total Home Health.  The physical therapy staff is experienced in evaluating your situation to determine what exercise regimen will be the best for you if your level of lumbago is interfering with your daily activities.  Ultimately, our goal is to maintain your level of lumbago at a tolerable level so that you may continue to go about your daily activities and remain in good spirits all at the same time.