In cases of acute lumbar spine syndrome, sharp pain in the lower back occurs out of the blue. The trigger is usually a harmless movement during sports, work or just everyday life. Even simple movements such as bending over, turning or standing up can trigger lumbar spine syndrome. Due to the severity of the back pain, a herniated disc is often incorrectly assumed to be the cause (and should be checked for the confirm). However, an acute lumbar spine syndrome usually has more harmless causes and heals without long-term effects.

Causes of Lumbago

Acute lumbar spine syndrome is most often triggered by everyday stresses on the spine and back during sports o everyday life. The back pain is so severe that a herniated disc is often assumed to be the cause. However, this is rarely the cause. Lumbago is mainly caused by a blockage of one of your vertebral joints, or tension or spasms in the back muscles. Incorrect and excessive strain are among the most common causes of an acute lumbar spine syndrome (incorrect lifting, poor posture while working etc).

Acute lumbar spine syndrome - duration of treatment

If you’re initially affected lumbago, rest is advisable for the first one or two days. After that it’s important to slowly work your way back to everyday regular normal movements. The pain can continue for another four to five days and should be carefully managed. With certain movements - such as turning or bending over - it is possible that slight pain in the lower back may last for up to two weeks after an acute lumbar spine syndrome. A doctor should be notified as soon as possible if the pain does not subside even after one or two days, especially if it is accompanied by issues with your bowels or bladder, or numbness/paralysis in the legs.

First measures for acute lumbar spine syndrome

In the case of lumbago, those affected should start by taking it easy. Since sitting and standing are usually painful, slow walking or a lying position is recommended. Sufferers should lie flat on their back with their legs raised. To relieve the lower back, the legs should form a right angle at the hip joint and knee. To achieve this, pillows and blankets can be draped so that they form a step at a 90-degree angle, as well as using your couch or a wall. The legs can then be placed on it. This posture is not necessarily comfortable, but it is effective in relieving pain in short and long-term.

Alternatively, the person affected can lie flat on the floor and place their lower legs on a chair to make it more comfortable. In addition, warming the affected area with a hot water bottle, heat pack, muscle ointment or a warm bath relaxes the muscles and relieves pain.

Acute lumbar spine syndrome - treatment and prevention

The therapy of a lumbar spine syndrome consists primarily of pain relief while the muscles recover. Those affected are usually given anti-inflammatory pain medication that relaxes the muscles. In addition, slow movement, the application of heat and positioned rest in which the legs are raised, are recommended.

In the case of a vertebral joint blockage, manual straightening of the vertebra by a physiotherapist may be necessary, but should only be done when directed by a doctor.

Physiotherapy, massages and acupuncture can all strengthen the back muscles in the long term and prevent lumbago recurring.

Pelvic Girdle Instability Diagnosis

A complete patient history and physical examination can help assess the symptoms and progression of the condition. Sophisticated imaging technology like Computer Tomography (C.T.) scans can confirm the diagnosis.

Further examinations are carried out to rule out other related diseases.

Pelvic Girdle Instability Treatment

Treatment for pain in the pelvic girdle revolves around managing the pain and strengthening the muscles of the lower back and pelvis region. An effective guide to follow includes:

• Lifestyle Changes

  In the early stages of the condition, lifestyle changes can help slow down the progression. Avoiding stressful activities, like physically intense work, training and lifting heavy loads are proven to be effective measures a patient can take in their day to day lives.

  Making sure to take enough breaks to stretch between long hours at the desk can help release strain from the muscles and provide some relief from daily stress. Weight loss can also help reduce stress on the back.

• Rehabilitation And Physiotherapy

  Regulated physiotherapy helps with targeted muscle training and is a proven effective treatment path. The prescribed exercises can help promote reorganization of the muscles and are the most effective option to curb the disease. Encouraging healthy proprioception and strengthening of the muscles helps prevent long term degeneration and can help with lower back pain.

• Prescribed Painkillers

  Prescribed painkillers, including Ibuprofen and Panadol, are often used to alleviate pain and discomfort in patients. In cases of inflammation in the back, anti-inflammatory medication may be recommended however as with many medications, tolerance may occur where the effectiveness of the drugs decrease as well as other potential side effects.

• Heat And Infrared Application

  Use of heat and infrared applications regularly on the lower back can support the treatment path and provide temporary relief.

• Medical Pelvic Braces

  It is highly recommended that ample support to the pelvis is provided through the use of a medical pelvic brace. The targeted compression that the braces provide helps boost circulation and muscle activation, whilst reducing the possibility of effusions and edema.

  Wearing a Bauerfeind brace, like the SacroLoc, can be instrumental in treatment as it provides enhanced stability, proprioception and medical-grade compression. This is not found in simple neoprene braces and has proven to be much more effective.