Understanding and relieving lumbago: Causes, tips and massages as a treatment option

Lumbago - the name alone sounds like an invisible witch has shot an arrow into your back. And sometimes it feels exactly the same: sudden, stabbing and painful. In fact, the term comes from a time when sudden, unexplained pain was often attributed to supernatural powers. The stabbing pain in your lower back feels exactly like you've been hit by a witch's "magic shot". What sounds like a magical curse is actually one of the most common back complaints of all, medically known as lumbago.

But there is no need to panic: With the right measures, the pain can be specifically alleviated - and even prevented. In this article, we address the following questions: What is lumbago? What are the causes behind it? What tips are there for acute lumbago treatment? How can massages and massage chairs help with lumbago? And how can you protect your back in the long term and prevent lumbago?

Our reading tip: Not just for lumbago: Find out more about the effects of massages in our article "From head to toe - massages help here".

Important: This article is for information purposes only and does not replace medical advice. If you have symptoms and suspect lumbago, please contact a healthcare professional.

Sudden pain: what is lumbago?

Lumbago is a sudden, stabbing pain in the lower back. In medical terms, it is referred to as lumbago, an irritation of the muscles or nerves in the lumbar vertebrae. Lumbago is often caused by incorrect strain, jerky movements or prolonged sitting in a poor posture. 

As the back muscles and surrounding nerves are severely irritated, lumbago develops. Those affected often experience a severe restriction of mobility, accompanied by an unpleasant feeling of stiffness in the back.

Symptoms: Recognize lumbago

Typical lumbago symptoms are usually sudden, stabbing pains in the lower back (often described as a feeling of "knife stabs in the back"). Those affected often experience a massive restriction of movement, accompanied by a relieving posture that is adopted involuntarily. In some cases, the pain radiates to the hips or thighs. In addition, lumbago can cause muscle tension, tenderness and a general feeling of stiffness. Lumbago also manifests itself in pain that sometimes radiates into the hip or thigh.

But how does lumbago differ from other back pain? While conventional back pain is often dull and long-lasting, lumbago is characterized by its sudden and extremely intense pain. Lumbago feels abrupt and sharp. Recognizing these differences can be helpful in initiating the right treatment.

Cause of lumbago: How does the pain develop?

There are many causes of lumbago, but it is usually caused by overloading or poor posture. Frequent triggers are prolonged sitting, heavy lifting or abrupt movements that overstrain the lower back. Stress can also play a role, as this encourages muscle tension. Lack of exercise, weak back muscles or unfavorable ergonomics at the workplace also contribute to increasing the likelihood of lumbago.

Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to prevent lumbago. Ergonomic furniture, regular exercise and targeted relaxation exercises can help to relieve the strain on your back and keep it strong. But how long does it actually take for lumbago to disappear?

How long does lumbago last?

The duration of lumbago depends on the severity of the symptoms and the individual's condition. In most cases, the acute pain subsides within a few days to a maximum of one week. How quickly countermeasures are taken plays a decisive role here. Targeted rest, moderate exercise and supportive treatments can often shorten the recovery time.

However, in untreated or particularly severe cases, it can take several weeks for the symptoms to disappear completely. If the pain persists over a longer period of time, there may be an underlying cause such as a slipped disc. In such cases, it is advisable to seek medical advice. But what can you do to relieve acute pain immediately? 

Between resting posture and warmth - what to do with lumbago?

If your back suddenly goes on strike, quick action is needed. Warmth is often a helpful first response: a hot water bottle, a heating pad or a warm bath can loosen up the tense muscles and relieve the pain. Taking a relieving position - for example lying on your back with your legs bent - can also help in the short term. If possible, you should prefer gentle movements, such as a short walk, to keep the muscles supple.

Lumbago - what to do? Tips for quick relief

You can relieve acute pain and support the healing process with targeted measures. Here are the best immediate tips:

1. WarmthA hot water bottle or a heating pad relaxes tense muscles.

2. Relaxed postureLie flat on your back, bend your legs and relax.

3. Gentle exerciseShort walks instead of strict bed rest keep the muscles supple.

4. Cold (for swelling): Cold packs reduce acute inflammation.

Reading tip: You can find out more about treating acute pain with cold in our article "Cryotherapy: Can cold help with back pain?".

Lumbago treatment: when should you see a doctor?

Lumbago is usually harmless, but there are situations in which medical help is necessary. If the pain is unbearable or lasts longer than a week, it is advisable to see a doctor. The same applies if additional symptoms such as numbness, tingling or muscle weakness occur - these could be signs of a herniated disc.

Reading tip: You can find out more about the symptoms of a slipped disc in our article: "Herniated disc: symptoms, causes and preventive measures".

If symptoms such as fever or problems urinating occur, this could be due to a serious illness. In these cases, you should not hesitate to seek medical advice immediately. But what should you avoid at all costs so as not to aggravate the symptoms of lumbago?

Things you should avoid with lumbago

Even if it seems tempting to take intensive rest periods, you should not take it easy completely if you have lumbago. Too little exercise can further weaken the back muscles and delay the healing process. Of course, it is also important to avoid jerky movements and heavy lifting, as this can aggravate back pain.

Stretching exercises should be used with caution in the acute phase of lumbago. They can also put additional strain on the already irritated muscles. Instead, you should concentrate on gentle measures such as heat treatments or gentle walks.

Lumbago massage: How can massages help?

Massages promote blood circulation, loosen tense muscles and can therefore also help to relieve lumbago. The gentle movements and targeted pressure on the affected areas can help to relieve tension and relax the muscles in the event of lumbago. Massages can support the regeneration process in the case of lumbago, especially after physical exertion when muscle tension or even sore muscles occur.

Reading tip: You can find out how massages can help with sore muscles in our article.

It is important that the massage for lumbago should never be painful. Instead, it should be gentle and soothing so as not to further irritate the already sensitive muscles. Combined with heat or special massage oils, the relaxing effect can be further enhanced.

These massage techniques are suitable for lumbago

Gentle massages such as the classic Swedish massage or lymphatic drainage are ideal for relieving tension and promoting regeneration. Techniques such as stroking and gentle kneading can also be used specifically to loosen the back muscles.

Here, too, we would like to point out that a massage should not cause any additional pain in the case of lumbago. Strong pressure or jerky movements should be avoided at all costs, as they can aggravate the pain. In addition, the use of a massage chair can be an excellent way to relieve acute pain, even in the case of lumbago - how exactly does it work?

Massage chair for lumbago: relief from acute symptoms

The main purpose of a massage is to relieve tension and promote blood circulation. A massage chair can therefore be a real boon for lumbago. The individually adjustable massage programs are particularly helpful in relaxing the muscles in the back without exerting additional pressure on the affected areas.

In addition to relieving acute complaints, regular use of a massage chair also plays an important role in prevention. Back pain can be prevented by specifically strengthening the back muscles. Find out in our article "Are massage chairs medically useful?"to find out how massage chairs can contribute to a healthy lifestyle in a variety of ways and in the long term.

Preventing lumbago: tips for everyday life

Easy to say, but often neglected: the best treatment for lumbago is still its prevention. The good news is that a combination of ergonomic measures, regular exercise and targeted relaxation exercises can already help to significantly reduce the risk of lumbago. So it's partly in your own hands.

It often starts with an ergonomic workstation: make sure that your desk and chair are optimally adjusted to your height. Regular breaks in which you stretch and move around prevent tension from prolonged sitting. This also applies to people at home or those who spend a lot of time in the car. Take breaks to do short exercises for your back and mobility - it doesn't take much. 

Sports such as swimming or yoga can also help to strengthen the back muscles in the long term and improve mobility. Exercises to strengthen the lower back and abdominal muscles in particular have a stabilizing effect and protect the spine. 

Massage chair as a routine to strengthen the back muscles

The massage chair is extremely helpful not only for acute complaints, but also as a valuable preventative measure. Regular use can help to relieve tension at an early stage and strengthen the back muscles. Programs with gentle kneading movements or targeted stroking massages promote blood circulation and support the muscles by loosening and relaxing them.

Functions such as shiatsu techniques or a combination of massage and heat offer an additional relaxing effect and can help to reduce stress - one of the most common triggers for back pain. Functions such as heat treatments using infrared radiation are also worth their weight in gold. With a massage chair, you can regularly do something good for yourself and actively help to prevent lumbago.

No more lumbago

Even if it may feel like it at first - you are not defenceless against the evil witch's spell if you suffer from lumbago. With the right measures against lumbago - from gentle movements to warmth to targeted massages - you can relieve the pain and help your back to recover.

Even better: with regular exercise, an ergonomic workstation and the support of modern aids such as a massage chair you can banish the "witch's curse" permanently and prevent a recurrence of lumbago.

Remember: Your body is not a rigid mechanism, but a sensitive system that deserves care and attention. With a combination of conscious movement, relaxation and the support of modern aids such as a massage chair, you can actively counteract back pain. Your back will thank you - today, tomorrow and every day.

Cover image: Mollyroselee, other images: Gundula Vogel, Clay Banks