The term lumbago refers to back pain that occurs in isolation in the vertebral region and does not radiate into the extremities. The pain may have various etiologies, such as muscular or osseous causes, or may result from nerve compression. Depending on its duration, lumbago can be classified into different stages:
| Classification | Duration |
|---|---|
| Acute lumbago | Less than 6 weeks |
| Subchronic lumbago | 6 to 12 weeks |
| Chronic lumbago | More than 12 weeks |