Q.1-What is Lumbago? Is Backache, Low Back Pain,Slip Disc and Lumbago same thing?
Ans.- In today’s scenario almost 80 percent of adults are affected by back pain at some point in their lives. Almost every family has one or more people suffered with this some time or the other. Lumbago is defined as mild to severe pain or discomfort in the area of the lower back. Weak muscles in the Back & Stomach increase the risk of Backaches . A variety of problems in the muscles, tendons, bones, ligaments, or an underlying organ, such as the kidney, may also cause backaches. The pain can be Acute (sudden and severe) or Chronic if it has lasted more than three months. Lumbago often occurs in younger people whose work involves physical effort though is not uncommon in elder people of retirement age also. Lumbago is a term for muscle pain in the lower back, near the pelvis & affected region with pain is Lumbo –Sacral region of spine hence it is termed as Lumbago.
Q.2- What are the causes of Lumbago?
Ans.- There can be many precipitating causes for backache. In the majority of cases, it is impossible to identify the exact cause of backache. Still in 25% of cases, however, it is possible to identify the cause. Often, these patients are suffering from conditions like a Slipped Disc,Osteoporosis (brittle bones), deformation of natural spine curvature (Scoliosis) or more rarely, skeletal damage due to tumours or infection. It is believed that back pain is usually the result of spinal degeneration or injury, especially damage to inter vertebral discs, These are structures located between the vertebrae that act as cushions. Each disc consists of a tough, fibrous outer layer surrounding a soft interior, which is what provides the cushioning. With the ordinary wear and tear of living, the discs show signs of aging and may be injured. When a disc begins to degenerate, a strain - even something as small as a sneeze - can cause the disc to rupture, or herniate, allowing the soft interior material to protrude out of the disc and press against the spinal cord. This situation is sometimes erroneously referred to as a "Slipped Disc"or Disc Prolapse . A herniated disk can indeed cause severe intermittent or constant back pain.
     Though the main cause of back pain is simple muscle spasm or strain . Although symptoms may come on suddenly and can be acutely painful, this is actually a problem that develops over a long period of time. When muscles contract, Lactic acid and Pyruvic acid are produced as byproducts of muscular activity. It is the presence of lactic acid in the muscles that produces the familiar sensation of muscle fatigue following strenous activity. If high levels of these acidic byproducts accumulate in the muscles, they cause irritation that can eventually turn into pain and interfere with the normal conduction of electrical impulses in the muscle tissue. This results in a condition called delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS). Problems with acidic build-up are often made worse by dehydration.
Precipitating Facor

• Wrong or Poor posture.
• Wearing Improper footwear.
• Walking habits.
• Improper lifting & Bending.
• Straining.
• Slouching when sitting.
• Sleeping on a very soft mattresses.
• Calcium deficiency.
• Intravertebral disc damage, injury, wear & tear.
• Herniation or prolapse or rupture of intervertebral disc.
• Bone disease specially Osteoporosis.
• Abnormal curvature of the spine or Scoliosis.
• Fractures can also rarely cause the backache.
• Arthritis.
• Rheumatism.
• Constipation.
• Kidney, bladder, prostate problems and female pelvic disorders.
• Female reproductive disorders or problems. Premenstrual Pain.
• Pregnancy and labor. (Baby is head down, facing toward mother's pubic bone instead of her backbone), back labor is a frequent occurrence. It can be very intense back pain due to the pressure of the baby's skull pressing against the tailbone.
• Psychological, emotional or stress-related problem.

• With severe pain and spasm, the back may tilt to one side causing a change in the posture.
• The pain is sometimes accompanied by a tingling sensation or numbness in the back or buttocks / hips or leg.

• Use painkillers Special medicines for relaxation of muscles may sometimes be prescribed. NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) and muscle relaxants relieve more pain than placebo.
• Activity is beneficial. Stay active. Get on with yourlife within the limits of your pain.
• Heat or Warmth helps, as does swimming in a warm pool.
• Rest and sleep lying on a firm, flat surface, if possible.
• Avoid stooping, bending, lifting and sitting on low chairs.
• Bear in mind that backaches are rarely caused by a serious illness and usually go away in a couple of days.
In Chronic low back pain

• Adopt correct & good posture
• Exercise regularly – especially swimming
• Avoid Jerky movements or rides.
• Don’t stay in the one position for too long. Stand up and stretch after you have been sitting for a while or crouch for a few moments if you have been reaching up.
• Lift correctly with your legs, not your back. Do not bend at the waist to lift.
• Support your lower back when sitting. Buy a special cushion if necessary, particularly for driving
• Try and sleep on your side - ensure you have a firm mattress.
• Get up from the bed by turning to the side and don’t get up straight from the bed.