Orthopedics-Online

Duration of a lumbago

How long does a lumbago last?

„Lumbago“Is not a diagnosis, but the description of a violent, usually sharp pain Spine with the surrounding muscles and can either be im lumbar or in Neck area occur.

Usually the Lumbago suddenly, for example following a sudden (turning) movement or dislocation. This immediately leads to a massive feeling of pain, which is often associated with a restriction in the mobility of the affected area. These extreme symptoms usually last for around 1 to 2 days.
Then the Restriction of movement at least largely disappeared and the pain should subside. This state usually lasts for another two days. No later than 4 days after the event, all complaints caused by the lumbago should have more or less subsided, but slight pain may still be present for up to two weeks, whereby this should steadily improve and no longer be severely impairing.
If the Symptoms of lumbago persist longer in an affected person, this should consult a doctor, as it can then be that the symptoms of a worse illness such as a Herniated disc of the lumbar spine or is due to a tumor.
Even if this is not the case, the doctor can be of assistance with treatment options, as one should try to somehow contain such lumbago so that it does not develop into a chronic course and the pain persists.

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Of course, these general guidelines do not always apply to all. On the one hand, of course, they only apply to mentally and physically healthy people. If someone suffers from worse underlying illnesses, pain can persist longer or be stronger or be perceived as worse. On the other hand, everyone is known to be different. Age or physical condition in particular can have a significant impact on clinical pictures such as lumbago.

So it can happen with some that pain or Restrictions on movement last longer, even though there is “only” normal lumbago. In this respect, however, it is always advisable to contact a doctor if you have any doubts, as he can best assess the situation and plan further action.

How long does the pain last?

Apart from the long-lasting pain, there is acute onset, Initial pain with lumbago usually only a few, at most two days. Then the pain eases in intensity a little. The further course of the pain then depends on whether it is a complicated or uncomplicated lumbago acts.

In the case of uncomplicated lumbago, the pain can be expected to subside after a few days to weeks.

In the case of a complicated lumbago, on the other hand, it can be assumed that recovery, and thus pain relief, will occur after a few weeks at the earliest. In general, the duration of the pain is individually variable and depends on how pronounced or complex the lumbago is. Since more complex treatment is necessary for a complicated lumbago, it takes much longer to reduce the pain than for an uncomplicated lumbago. Also play Pre-existing illness, the physical constitution and the individual pain perception a role in the duration of the pain.

Sufferers from previous diseases in the musculoskeletal area of the back, for example in the form of pre-existing ones Herniated discs or orthopedic bad posture, even with uncomplicated lumbago, the pain can last longer than 4 weeks. A pronounced muscular system in the back area is also considered a positive factor in pain treatment after lumbago, as the therapy brings faster results. Those affected, who are generally less sensitive to pain, are more likely to report freedom from pain than others, who are generally more plaintive and who attribute greater importance to even mild pain.

How long should I not do sports after lumbago?

The decision as to how long not to exercise after a lumbago has to be made individually. At the latest as soon as a Freedom from pain has occurred, there is no reason for a sports ban. However, it is recommended that the Back muscles preventive too strengthento reduce the risk of lumbago again. It is also important that Musculature neat to warm up and if necessary to stretchbefore starting to exercise heavily. After a lumbago it is, so to speak, an individual decision of each person affected as to when he or she can start exercising again. Once you are feeling fit enough and exercising does not worsen symptoms, it is not advisable to do so.

It is sometimes reported that those affected benefit from light endurance sports despite existing symptoms, as this leads to symptom relief by relaxing the muscles. Whether a 30-minute running session is helpful, however, depends on how trained you were before the lumbago and whether you were a regular jogger before. If this is not the case, it tends to be discouraged. Nonetheless, extreme stresses caused by physical activity should definitely be avoided until you are free of symptoms. However, keeping a bed rest is also wrong. A healthy middle ground in the form of light stretching exercises or longer walks is considered beneficial in any case. It is therefore not possible to give an exact indication of the duration of the sports ban after lumbago.

How long does it take to completely heal?

The prognosis (chances of recovery) of lumbago is relatively good due to a variety of therapeutic measures. The point at which those affected are completely symptom-free varies from person to person and depends on factors such as Previous illness, physical exertion in everyday life and Compliance (= Following the therapeutic, prescribed measures on the part of the patient) dependent.

In order to speak of a complete cure, all complaints associated with the lumbago must have disappeared, i.e. besides the Pain also Restriction of movement or Sensory disturbances. The movement restrictions should be gone a few days, usually a maximum of 2-5 days, after the initial shooting pain. Associated symptoms such as sensory disturbances and numbness should not persist for more than a week under treatment. After two weeks there is usually only a slight pain without any further symptoms. However, since the healing process varies greatly from person to person, no precise information can be given about how long the complete healing process will take. A few weeks to a maximum of 6 weeks apply as a guide. As soon as there is no improvement in the symptoms after 6 weeks, one should listen carefully, intensify the therapeutic measures and clarify the cause again more precisely in order to prevent a chronic form, especially the pain.

How long are you unable to work?

The duration of incapacity for work is variable and depends on the intensity of the pain and the job. Usually an incapacity for work is made for 3-5 days exhibited, because the acute onset, severe pain usually only lasts 2 days. Thereafter, the persistent symptoms can be treated with painkillers and other therapeutic measures so that work is possible again. Of course, as a doctor, you have to differentiate which type of profession the person concerned has. An example is an office worker versus a construction worker. The latter occupational group tends to be unable to work longer than someone who has an office job or a sedentary job due to the physical demands.

How long does a lumbago last in the neck?

The question of how long a lumbago in the neck lasts can generally be answered in the same way as a lumbago in any other location. In addition to the pain, the Stiffness, Restriction of movement and Sensory disturbances be treated. As with any other lumbago, the acute onset of severe neck pain should be gone after 2 days at the latest. Further complaints such as stiffness and restricted mobility should no longer occur after a further 2 days, i.e. after a total of about 4 days.

With regard to the healing time, it is important to note how serious the lumbago is in the neck. As soon as it is uncomplicated lumbago, it can be assumed that it will heal within a few days to weeks. Otherwise, you can expect complaints that will last for several weeks if you have a complicated lumbago. However, the healing time varies greatly depending on previous illnesses and everyday stress on the neck. In addition, it is important that the therapeutic measures are conscientiously observed and followed in order to combat the duration of the symptoms after a lumbago as quickly as possible.

However, if the symptoms last longer than 6 weeks, this is rather untypical. Then it is important to see a doctor again and to clarify the symptoms again. As a result, therapeutic measures may have to be intensified and / or changed.