LUMBAGO is a rheumatic affection of the muscles in the lumbar reg,ion, or in the small of the back. It is often first recognized by the occurrence of a sharp stabbing pain in the loins upon attempting to rise from the recumbent or sitting position. It is sometimes so severe as to confine the patient to bed and in one position, from which he cannot move without intense suffering; but in milder cases he can walk, although stiffly and with pain, and usually with the body bent more or less forward. It may be dis tinguished from inflammation of the kidneys by the absence of the peculiar direction of the pain towards the &-roin, as also by the absence of the nausea and vomiting which usually accompany the disease of the kidney.
The causes of lumbago are the same as those of sub-acute rheumatism generally. The complaint may arise from partial exposure to cold, especially when the body is heated, and violent straining will sometimes induce it. In persons with a strong cou
stitutional tendency to rheumatism, the slightest exciting cause will bring on an attack of lumbago.
The treatment must vary with the intensity of the affection. In most cases, a warm bath at bed-time, followed by ten grains of Dover's powder, will speedily remove it; and as local remedies, a mixture of chloroform and soap-liniment, or the application of the heated hammer (au instrument sold by Coxeter, surgical-instrument maker, London), will be found serviceable. The writer of this article has frequently seen the disorder completely disappear after one application of the hammer, which should be heated in a spirit-lamp to somewhat about 200°, and then be rapidly brought in contact with points of the skin over the painful parts at intervals of about half an inch. Each application leaves a red spot, but blisters seldom occur, if the operation is properly performed.