LUMBAGO

pain in the small of the back; it is most common among middle-aged persons. Lumbago can be caused by a sprain (with bleeding into the muscles and torn ligaments), by overexertion in lifting, by a fall or jar, or by a sudden twisting movement of the back. Rest in bed, application of heat, massage, and use of analgesic ointments can bring relief. The lumbago may be of the type in which there are lumpy deposits in the sheaths around the muscles. In this instance, pain may follow overuse of the muscle or exposure to cold and drafts. Heat and exercise bring temporary relief. Pain in the loins may indicate lumbago associated with injury to an intervertebral disk. Ischemic lumbago results from artery insufficiency.