lumbago - The cause of back aches is difficult to assess, but it is thought that the most common cause of low back pain is muscle strain or another soft tissue problem. Other common causes of lumbago include spinal disc herniation, a degenerated disc, or other disc problems. Weak stomach muscles and weak back muscles are thought to increase the stress on the back and contribute to back pain. There are many non-surgical means of managing low back pain. Typical approaches include the use of NSAIDs, physiotherapy and, if needed, one or two days of bed rest at the onset of severe pain. If the pain is severe and continues more than a few weeks or months, or if there may be permanent loss of function of the limb(s) involved, surgical options may be considered.