1.
slipped disc; strained back; acute lower back pain
sudden severe lower back pain, often caused by lifting something heavy or making an awkward movement
重い荷物を持ってぎっくり腰になった。
I threw out my back lifting a heavy load.
ぎっくり腰で動けない。
I can't move because of my strained back.
父がぎっくり腰で入院した。
My father was hospitalized with a slipped disc.
ETYMOLOGY:
The word ぎっくり is onomatopoeic, representing the sudden shock or snap felt when the back gives out.
MEDICAL TERM:
急性腰痛症 (acute lower back pain) is the formal medical term.
ALTERNATIVE NAME:
Also called 「魔女の一撃」 (witch's strike) in German-influenced medical terminology, similar to the German term "Hexenschuss."
PREVENTION:
- 正しい姿勢で物を持つ (lift with proper posture)
- 腰を鍛える (strengthen the lower back)