Lumbar spine pain

What are the symptoms and causes of lower back pain?

Lumbar spine pain, often referred to as lumbar spine syndrome, occurs particularly frequently in the lower back and affects many people.
Over half of all back pain manifests itself in this region.
The symptoms and causes can be divided into two main categories: chronic and acute pain.

Chronic lumbar spine pain

Chronic lumbar spine pain often develops gradually and manifests itself as dull, long-lasting pain in the lumbar region, which can radiate to the coccyx or legs.
Those affected often complain of general weakness in the back and limited mobility, accompanied by discomfort such as tingling or numbness in the legs.
This pain often intensifies during physical exertion or when coughing and sneezing.
The causes of chronic complaints often lie in signs of wear and tear, which are promoted by the upright gait and the wide range of movements in this area of the spine.
Added to this are muscle tensions caused by weak core muscles and unhealthy postures, as well as permanent poor posture, for example due to prolonged sitting in a poor position.
Osteoarthritis, a joint condition that affects the lumbar spine, can also lead to chronic pain and restricted movement.

Acute lumbar spine pain

In contrast to chronic pain, acute lumbar spine pain occurs suddenly and is often very severe.
This type of pain, commonly known as “lumbago”, can radiate into the legs and is often accompanied by a considerable restriction of mobility.
The pain typically intensifies with certain movements, sneezing, coughing or pressing.
In severe cases, even numbness or paralysis may occur, as well as problems emptying the bladder or bowels, especially in the case of a large herniated disc.
Acute pain is often caused by a herniated disc, where parts of the disc press on nerves, or by sudden blockages in the spine caused by jerky movements or incorrect strain.
Pinched nerves, often caused by tension or disc problems, are also a common cause of acute complaints.
In addition, injuries after accidents, falls or during sport can lead to acute lumbar spine pain caused by fractures, tissue trauma or disc damage in this region.

How long does a lumbar spine syndrome last?

The healing time of a lumbar spine syndrome can vary greatly depending on the cause.
As the symptoms can originate in muscles, tendons, vertebral bodies, vertebral joints or nerves, the duration of the condition varies from person to person.
Muscular problems are often the cause of lumbar spine syndrome.
With the right treatment, these can be alleviated within a few days to weeks.
It is important that those affected do not adopt a relieving posture despite the pain in order to avoid chronic complaints or degenerative changes to the spine.
In more severe cases, such as after a slipped disc, lumbar spine syndrome can last for several weeks to months, especially if surgery is necessary.
In such cases, consistent aftercare is important to minimize the risk of the pain becoming chronic.

How long does lumbar spine pain last?

The duration of lumbar spine pain also depends heavily on the cause.
In the case of muscular problems, which are often the underlying cause, the pain can often subside within a few days or weeks with appropriate treatment.
Without timely treatment, however, there is a risk that the pain will develop into chronic pain, which can have a major impact on the daily lives of those affected.

Where does pain in the lumbar spine radiate to?

Depending on the type and severity of the underlying condition, the pain can radiate to different parts of the body.
In chronic lumbar spine syndrome, the pain can radiate to the knee.
The postures that sufferers unconsciously adopt can cause secondary pain in the calves, Achilles tendon and feet.

In acute lumbar spine syndrome, the pain occurs suddenly and severely and is often associated with considerable movement restrictions.
If the sciatic nerve is affected, the pain often radiates into the leg – this is known as lumboischialgia.
In particularly severe cases, such as a slipped disc, the pain can affect the nerves and nerve roots, which can lead to loss of sensation, gait disturbances, paralysis and, in extreme cases, even loss of bladder and bowel control.

Treatment of lumbar spine syndrome

Lumbar spine pain requires an individually tailored therapy that depends on the exact location, severity, duration and cause of the pain.
Therefore, several therapeutic approaches are usually combined.
The most important treatment elements include drug therapy, heat treatments and exercise therapy.

In acute lumbar spine syndrome, rapid pain relief is crucial.
In addition to medical treatment, the back should be relieved as much as possible and relieving postures should be avoided, as these can lead to further tension.
Physiotherapy helps to restore mobility and prevent future complaints.

Which painkillers help with low back pain?

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or diclofenac are often used to relieve low back pain.
These medications have an anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effect and are generally well tolerated.
They are available over the counter as tablets, ointments or gels and can be used both internally and externally.
Taking NSAIDs can effectively break the vicious circle of pain and relieving posture.

Conventional treatment methods for lumbar spine pain

The treatment of lumbar spine pain includes a wide range of conventional methods, which are applied individually depending on the cause and severity of the symptoms.
As part of the NUHR Med Concept, we create a customized treatment plan for each patient.

Physiotherapy

Physiotherapy is a central component of our treatment concept for lower back pain.
Our experienced team of physiotherapists will perform exercises with you that aim to strengthen the back muscles and improve mobility.
Physiotherapeutic treatment corrects muscular imbalances, stabilizes the spine and optimizes posture.
Regular sessions help to relieve painful tension and increase the flexibility of the spine.
This can significantly alleviate your pain.

Back exercises

Targeted back exercises also help to prevent and treat lower back pain.
Daily exercise and specially designed back-friendly exercises help to prevent poor posture and improve back health in the long term.
These exercises strengthen the muscles along the spine, improve posture and increase the stability of the trunk.
A regular exercise program not only helps to relieve pain, but also to prevent future complaints.

Drug-based pain therapy

Drug-based pain therapy is used to effectively relieve pain and support the healing process.
Commonly used medications include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and diclofenac, which have both an anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effect.
These drugs are particularly suitable for relieving acute symptoms and reducing the inflammatory processes in the affected areas.
However, if the pain is more severe or lasts longer, additional medication such as stronger painkillers or muscle relaxants may be necessary.
They help to control more intense pain and relieve muscle tension that often accompanies lumbar spine pain.

At the NUHR Medical Center, we only use medication when it is appropriate and necessary.
Our main focus is on individually tailored therapeutic approaches that are adapted to the specific needs of each individual patient.

Heat or cold treatment

Heat and cold treatments are proven methods of pain relief for lower back pain.
Heat applications such as heat patches or pads promote blood circulation and relax the muscles, which is particularly helpful for muscular tension.
In contrast, cold treatments such as cold packs reduce acute inflammation and swelling by constricting the blood vessels and dampening local metabolic activity.

Back supports

Back supports are supportive aids that can provide valuable support for acute lumbar spine pain.
They stabilize the lumbar spine, relieve the affected structures and promote correct posture.
In combination with physiotherapy and medical treatment, back supports contribute to healing and help to prevent future complaints.
They are particularly useful for patients who need additional support to relieve their back pain and improve their daily functionality.

At the NUHR Medical Center, we attach great importance to the holistic and individualized treatment of your lumbar spine pain.
We develop a treatment plan for you that is tailored to your needs and symptoms in order to provide you with the fastest and most lasting relief possible.