What measures do you recommend for an acute lumbago?
April 5, 2023 | 20,00 EUR | answered by Fanni Helbig
Dear Doctor,
My name is Georg Hartmann and I am reaching out to you because I am currently suffering from acute lumbago. Two days ago, I suddenly experienced strong pain in the lower back that radiates down to my leg. The pain is sharp and makes it difficult for me to move. I have already tried to rest and take pain medication, but my condition has not improved so far.
I am concerned that the lumbago could have long-term consequences and I am wondering what measures I should take to become pain-free as quickly as possible. Are there specific exercises or therapies that could help me? Should I keep warm or apply cold packs? Are there any specific medications that could alleviate the pain?
I would greatly appreciate it if you could provide me with specific recommendations on how to deal with my acute lumbago in order to promote a speedy recovery. Thank you in advance for your support.
Best regards,
Georg Hartmann
Dear Mr. Hartmann,
Thank you for your message and your trust in my expertise as an orthopedic specialist. I am sorry to hear that you are suffering from acute lumbago and that the pain is affecting you so much. Lumbago, also known as a "witch's shot," often occurs suddenly and is characterized by sharp pain in the lower back that can radiate down the leg. It is important that you seek treatment promptly to avoid long-term consequences.
First and foremost, it is right to rest and take painkillers to alleviate the acute symptoms. You can take painkillers such as Paracetamol or anti-inflammatory medications like Ibuprofen to reduce the pain. However, please note that these medications should only be taken short-term and not longer than recommended.
Furthermore, specific exercises and therapies can help you overcome lumbago and alleviate your symptoms. Physiotherapy can be very effective in strengthening the muscles in the back and improving mobility. Your physiotherapist can show you targeted exercises to help relieve the strain on your back and reduce the pain.
Warming or cooling the affected area can be effective depending on the cause of the lumbago. In general, it is recommended to keep the affected area warm to relax the muscles and promote circulation. A hot water bottle or warm baths can help alleviate the pain. Cooling, on the other hand, can be helpful for acute inflammation or swelling, but in your case, it is probably better to opt for warmth.
It is important to move regularly and not stay in one position for too long to avoid further tension. Also, avoid heavy physical work or one-sided strain on the back to prevent worsening of the symptoms.
If your symptoms do not improve or worsen despite these measures, I strongly recommend seeing a doctor. An orthopedic specialist can make an accurate diagnosis and consider further treatment options such as injections or physical therapies.
I hope that my recommendations help you in dealing with your acute lumbago. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions or need additional support. I wish you a speedy recovery and all the best for your health.
Best regards,
Fanni Helbig, Orthopedic Specialist
