Chronic lumbar pain is pain originating in the lower back area that persists for longer than three months.
Its most frequent cause is deterioration of the intervertebral discs and posterior joints. Other causes are: traumatisms such as a severe shock or blow, osteoporosis, tumours and infections.
Its main symptom is constant pain in the lower back area. This may be localised pain or irradiate towards the groin area, buttocks or thighs. It may be accompanied by alterations in sensitivity and difficulty walking.
Diagnosis is clinical using imaging tests such as X-ray, magnetic resonance or scans.
Treatment seeks to alleviate pain with analgesics and/or anti-inflammatories, which may be supplemented with opioids. Local corticosteroid injections may be given. Total rest is not recommended; rather movement should be progressively encouraged. Physiotherapy may be beneficial. When symptoms are highly invalidating, an operation to decompress the nerve root may be required. This generally offers good results, leaving scarcely any limitation in lumbar movement while allowing a large number of patients to resume their habitual activities.
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