Back pain (lumbago) – causes, symptoms and relief
Back pain, or acute lumbago, is a very common cause of lower back pain. It often occurs with heavy lifting, sudden movements or rotations – but can sometimes come on without warning. The pain is intense and often leads to spasms in the back muscles, resulting in a forward-bending posture.
What is a back sprain?
Back pain is a sudden, severe pain in the lower back that often makes it difficult to move normally. The exact cause is not always clear, but the problem involves the muscles, ligaments, and joints in the back. The spasm causes the body to unconsciously seek a pain-free position by leaning forward or to the side, which in turn creates incorrect loading and increased stiffness.
Common causes & risk factors
Back pain often occurs in connection with heavy lifting, sudden movements or rotations, but also after prolonged sitting. Sometimes as little as a sneeze or a minor movement can trigger an acute back pain. Risk factors include weak core muscles, poor posture, being overweight and working positions with one-sided or heavy loads.
Symptoms
- Sudden and intense pain in the lower back
- Cramping sensation in the back muscles
- Forward bending or oblique posture to find a pain-free position
- Stiffness and difficulty moving normally
- Pain relief when lying down
When should you seek medical attention?
Seek medical attention if the pain does not improve within a couple of weeks, if you experience pain radiating down your legs, numbness, or if you have difficulty controlling urine or stool.
Recommended protection & support
A back support can be very helpful for back pain . Stabilising models can counteract a forward-leaning posture and provide extra support during movements, while compression-giving back supports can relieve pain and increase circulation. Ergonomic aids that improve posture when working while sitting can also reduce the strain on the back. For the best recovery, the back support should always be combined with regular movement and adapted activity, as total bed rest should be avoided. See all our products for the back and lower back here.
About our Injury Guide – quick guidance in case of complaints
In our Injury Guide, you will receive clear and easy-to-understand information about common injuries, how they occur and what symptoms usually occur. You will also receive recommendations on which protection and aids can relieve your discomfort and help you further in your rehabilitation. All information is based on expert knowledge from our licensed physiotherapist.
For more information about the back and lower back, you can read more in the Back Injury Guide. You can also go to the Injury Guide's main page to read about other injuries and symptoms.
Related injuries:
Find the right protection for your needs
There are several ways to find the right product on our website. For a more personalized selection, you can use our filters and sort by injury, body part or sport. You can also get help from our AI assistant Eir, who is trained on all the content on our website and can help you with product recommendations, fit questions and order-related concerns – 24/7. If you would rather speak directly to our licensed physiotherapist Ida , you can reach her via email or phone for personal advice and support in your product selection.
