Lumbago

For some reason, the word "lumbago" popped into my head to describe the condition that has afflicted me for some days now since I did some gardening work that involved my needing to bend forward continually while sitting on a low stool. Even while working, I had difficulty straitening up when I got up off the stool from time to time. This sustained strain on my lower back had its consequences and was exacerbated when I did some further gardening work that didn't involve bending forward but did put some strain on my lower back. 

I asked Bard to explain what lumbago was and it seems to describe my current ailment:

Lumbago is a common term for sudden or long-lasting pain in the lower back. It is often caused by muscle strain or injury, but it can also be caused by other conditions, such as arthritis, osteoporosis, or spinal stenosis.

The pain of lumbago is usually felt in the lower back, but it can sometimes radiate to the buttocks, thighs, or legs. The pain is often worse when standing up or bending over, and it can make it difficult to walk or move around.

Lumbago is usually not serious and goes away on its own within a few weeks. However, it can be very painful and debilitating while it lasts. Treatment for lumbago usually involves rest, pain medication, and physical therapy.

Here are some of the causes of lumbago:

Muscle strain or injury: This is the most common cause of lumbago. It can happen when you lift something heavy, twist your back suddenly, or sit in a bad position for a long time.

Arthritis: This is a condition that causes inflammation of the joints. It can affect the joints in your back and cause pain and stiffness.

Osteoporosis: This is a condition that causes bones to become weak and brittle. It can make you more likely to suffer a back injury, which can lead to lumbago.

Spinal stenosis: This is a condition that narrows the spaces in your spine. It can put pressure on the nerves in your back and cause pain.

If you are experiencing lumbago, it is important to see a doctor to rule out any serious underlying conditions. Treatment for lumbago usually involves rest, pain medication, and physical therapy. In some cases, surgery may be necessary.

Here are some tips to help prevent lumbago:

Maintain a healthy weight: Excess weight puts extra strain on your back.

Strengthen your core muscles: Strong core muscles help support your back and prevent injuries.

Stretch regularly: Stretching helps to keep your muscles flexible and reduce your risk of injury.

Lift with your legs, not your back: When lifting something heavy, bend your knees and keep your back straight.

Avoid sitting for long periods of time: Get up and move around every 20-30 minutes.

Use good posture: When standing or sitting, keep your back straight and your shoulders relaxed.

The good news is that the pain is easing and I'm to move about more easily. I don't think I've done any permanent damage. My mistake was to do too much too soon. These lower back muscles were simply not ready for the sustained strain that I was putting on them. I still haven't learned the lesson that my body is no longer able to adapt suddenly to new stresses that are imposed upon it.

Here is a little about the etymology of the word "lumbago":

The word "lumbago" is derived from the Latin word "lumbus", which means "loins" or "lower back". It was first used in English in the 16th century to describe pain in the lower back.

The word "lumbus" is also the root of the word "lumbar", which refers to the lower back. The lumbar region is the part of the spine that is located between the thoracic region (the middle back) and the sacral region (the lower back).

I do need to allot some time to regular exercises that involve stretching of the muscles in the lumbar area but first I need to let the muscles in that area heal.