Lumbago or herniated disc?

Barbara Victorio

· Updated

02.11.2026

Table of contents

What is lumbago?

Do you know the feeling? You lift a heavy suitcase off the floor, move a crate or pull up weeds, and suddenly a stabbing pain shoots through your lower back. Every movement becomes a challenge. What is popularly called a "Hexenschuss" (a witch's shot) is known to doctors as lumbago or local lumbar syndrome.

Lumbago usually comes on quite suddenly: your back muscles go into a reflex cramp, often after an unaccustomed movement or load, sometimes even without a clear trigger. The result is acute pain and a noticeable restriction of movement in your spine. In some cases, small spinal joints can also lock or nerves can become irritated.

Who is particularly affected?

The risk of lumbago goes up when several of these factors come together:

An unfavourable or one-sided posture in daily life
Muscular imbalances between the abdominal, trunk and back muscles
Too little movement or sitting for long periods

It's important to know that lumbago is common, and in most cases harmless and easy to treat.

How to tell them apart: lumbago or herniated disc?

Lumbago can feel similar to a herniated disc at first. However, there are clear differences that help you assess the situation better:

Lumbago

Type of pain: Localised, stabbing in the lower back
Trigger: Suddenly after movement or load
Pain radiation: Usually limited to the lower back, possibly into the buttock
Movement: Clearly restricted, but no neurological deficits
Course: Often improves clearly within 3–7 days
Muscles: Noticeably hardened and tense

Herniated disc

Type of pain: Deep, pulling or burning
Trigger: Sudden or gradual
Pain radiation: Often into the leg, down to the foot or toes
Neurological symptoms: Numbness, tingling or weakness in the leg
Coughing/sneezing: Clearly increases the pain
Course: Often longer (weeks to months)
Lasègue test: Pain when the straightened leg is lifted

This distinction is crucial for the right treatment.

When should you see a doctor?

Lumbago is usually not dangerous, but there are clear warning signs where you should seek medical help immediately:

Numbness or tingling in the legs
Weakness or signs of paralysis
Problems passing urine or stool
Pain radiating below the knee
No improvement despite rest or painkillers
Pain getting worse when coughing, sneezing or straining

With a possible herniated disc, an early diagnosis is especially important. Medical examinations and imaging such as X-ray or MRI help to clarify the cause reliably.

In our physiotherapy practice too, targeted tests let us recognise early whether it is simple lumbago or a more serious cause, and refer you directly to a specialist if needed.

The earlier the right diagnosis is made, the sooner and more precisely your treatment can start.

What can you do yourself?

In the acute phase (first 2–3 days)

Even if it's hard: taking it easy doesn't mean standing still.

Keep moving, but avoid heavy loading
Switch regularly between lying, sitting and standing
Heat helps: hot-water bottles, warm baths or ointments relax the muscles and promote circulation
For severe pain, anti-inflammatory medication or ointments can make sense (after consulting your doctor)

Studies show: light movement promotes healing much faster than bed rest.

Important warning signs

If you notice numbness or tingling in your legs, the following applies:

Don't wait: get it checked by a doctor immediately to rule out a herniated disc.

What can Kineo do for you?

In physiotherapy, we guide you actively and individually through your healing process, with the aim of relieving your pain quickly and treating the cause lastingly.