Lumbago

/lʌmˈbeɪɡoʊ/ noun

Definition

Sudden sharp pain in the lower back, usually caused by muscle strain or injury, and a common complaint of people who lift heavy objects.

Etymology

From Latin 'lumbus' (loin) plus '-ago' (indicating a condition); literally means 'loin pain,' an older medical term still used by doctors today.

Kelly Says

Before modern physical therapy, lumbago was thought to be caused by 'cold air' settling in your back—people wrapped themselves in special belts and avoided drafts, when really it was just muscle inflammation!

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