Lower Back Pain (Lumbago): Causes and Treatment
Lumbago affects 80% of the population at some point in their lives. Learn about its causes and the most effective physiotherapy treatments.
What is lumbago or lower back pain?
Lumbago is pain located in the lower part of the back, between the last ribs and the gluteal area. It is estimated to affect 80% of the adult population at some point in their lives, making it one of the leading causes of sick leave and the most common reason for physiotherapy consultation.
It can be classified by duration as acute (less than 6 weeks), subacute (between 6 weeks and 3 months) or chronic (more than 3 months). At Fontanet Medicina i Fisioterapia in Tarragona, we treat all types of lumbago with a multidisciplinary approach combining physiotherapy, manual therapy and therapeutic exercise.
Causes of lower back pain
Lower back pain can originate from multiple causes, ranging from purely muscular problems to disc or joint pathologies. The most common causes include:
- Muscle contractures and overloads from poor posture or overexertion
- Herniated and bulging discs compressing nerve roots
- Osteoarthritis of the lumbar facet joints
- Lumbar spinal stenosis
- Sedentary lifestyle and weakness of the core stabilising muscles
- Stress and psychosocial factors (fear of movement, catastrophising)
- Pregnancy and changes in the centre of gravity
- Excess weight increasing the load on lumbar structures
Types of lumbago
It is important to distinguish between mechanical and inflammatory lumbago. Mechanical lumbago, which accounts for more than 90% of cases, worsens with physical activity and improves with rest. It is usually due to muscle overloads, postural problems or disc degeneration.
Inflammatory lumbago, much less common, presents nocturnal pain that improves with movement and may be associated with prolonged morning stiffness. This type requires specific medical assessment to rule out rheumatic conditions.
We also differentiate lumbago with radiation (when pain travels down the leg, suggesting nerve involvement) from localised lumbago. This distinction is key to correctly guiding treatment.
Physiotherapy treatment for lumbago
The treatment of lumbago at our centre combines different techniques tailored to each patient's needs. Current scientific evidence supports an active approach where the patient actively participates in their recovery.
Manual therapy includes joint mobilisations, spinal manipulations and soft tissue techniques that relieve pain and restore mobility. Dry needling is particularly effective for deactivating trigger points associated with referred lumbar pain.
Therapeutic exercise is the most important component of medium and long-term treatment. We design personalised programmes for core strengthening, flexibility and motor control that allow patients to manage their pain and prevent relapses.
- Manual therapy: mobilisations and spinal manipulations
- Dry needling of paravertebral and gluteal muscles
- Therapeutic exercise and core strengthening
- Percutaneous neuromodulation for chronic pain
- Pain neuroscience education
- Shockwave therapy for chronic trigger points
Exercises and lower back pain prevention
Lower back pain prevention is based on maintaining strong and flexible stabilising muscles. Exercises such as the front plank, glute bridge, bird-dog and posterior chain stretches are essential.
It is equally important to maintain an active lifestyle, avoid prolonged sedentary behaviour and learn to lift weights correctly. At our centre in Tarragona, we teach patients postural hygiene adapted to their work and sporting activities.
If you suffer from recurring episodes of lower back pain, do not wait for it to become chronic. An early assessment allows identification of risk factors and establishment of effective preventive strategies.