Question: I occasionally have a medium, dull lower back pain that comes and goes. One time I had a sharp, stinging sensation that made it difficult for me to stand up straight for a couple of days. Any idea of what is causing it and how it can be treated?

Answer: What you are describing is a set of symptoms called lumbago or simply lower back pain. Lumbago or lower back pain do not really describe a disease or condition, but refer to a set of symptoms that result from some other cause. Incidentally, it is estimated that at least 80 percent of the population suffers from lower back pain or lumbago. And, according to the National Institute of Health (NIH) it accounts for more use of sick leave and for work disabilities than any other medical condition.

Lower back pain may be described in many different ways. The pain may be described as dull, burning or sharp and it can be felt at a single point or over a broad area. The pain may begin gradually and go away, or “hang in there” indefinitely. It can occur with muscle spasms and stiffness and can include symptoms affecting the legs such as pain, numbness or tingling that may extend below the knee. Lower back pain is often described as acute (lasts less than 3 months), chronic (lasts longer than 3 months), and recurrent (when acute symptoms return a second time or more). Incidentally, get emergency treatment if you have weakness or numbness in both legs or lose bladder or bowl control. These symptoms are usually from a rare but serious condition called cauda equina syndrome where the nerves at the end of the spinal cord are squeezed.

There are many causes of lumbago. Some (and certainly not all) lower back pain may be caused by bulging or herniated discs, strain, injury, overuse, arthritis, spinal stenosis, a spine problem you were born with, and rarely and infection or tumor.

The diagnosis for lower back pain should be made by a doctor. If needed, additional diagnostic tools such as x-rays, CT scans, and MRIs may be ordered. So you should make an appointment with your doctor to determine the exact cause of your pain.

Some of the treatments may include over the counter anti-inflammatory drugs, prescribed opiate analgesics (like codeine, hydrocodone), tri-cyclic antidepressants (amytriptyline, nortriptyline) physical therapy, heat/cold, acupuncture, or even surgery.

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