Lumbago is characterised by spontaneous severe pain in the lumbar vertebrae, often accompanied by an almost complete inability to move.

This sudden pain is caused by overstretching a cold muscle, pressure on a nerve or a draught, usually during a simultaneous bending and twisting movement.

 

As the precondition for lumbago is usually caused by years of overloading the back, prevention is the best antidote.

 

Prevention of poor posture of the back

 

 

• Lift heavy loads from a squatting position with a straight spine.
• Right angles of knees, hips and elbows when sitting.
• Good mattress on a firm base
• Conscious relaxation in stressful situations, as the body tenses up under mental stress.
• Spinal gymnastics (back training) to strengthen the back muscles.

 

 

Relief of acute pain

 

 

• Bed rest with legs elevated; hips and knees bent at 90 degrees.
• Moist heat packs.
• Application of a hay flower sack or a potato poultice, in which a mashed, hot potato is wrapped in a linen cloth.
• Acupuncture.
• Neural therapy.
• Chiropractic treatment.