Back pain is a serious and growing issue. 8 out of 10 of the world’s population face back pain. The experience of back pain can be very complex. Many back problems are difficult to diagnose and typically involve a wide variety of treatments options. Myths and misconceptions on back problems persists and they are harmful than the problem itself. Here is a list of the common myths about back pain:
Myth: Sit up Straight
Posture has a lot to do with a healthy back. Slouching and slumping weakens the muscles and contribute to back problems. In back pain, sitting up straight is not always the solution. It can aggravate the issue. Sitting up straight may be even more painful than bending because of added pressure on the lumbar spinal nerve roots. Conversely, a patient may get some relief lying on one side in the fetal position for a back pain. It is better to always maintain a healthy posture while sitting or walking regularly.
Myth: Bed Rest is the best cure
Rest is good but not always. Sometimes in back pain bed rest will not help but intensify the effects. Inactivity or lying on bed for prolonged durations can cause your back to become deconditioned, weak and stiff. The helpless feeling of lying in bed all day will have emotional effects as well. The constant rest can cause depression or fear of movement. The psychological effects make a pain episode last longer. To reduce back pain, spine experts recommend no more than a day or two of bed rest to calm the pain and avoid further damage, followed by moderate, gentle exercises.
Myth: Fit body weight equates no back pain
Staying fit keeps all health problems at bay. A healthy back is often a combination of a fit body but back pain cannot always be avoided. Even the slim and healthy weight bodies can be affected by severe bouts of pain. The causes may be disc degeneration, nerve problems and other problems. Maintain a healthy weight but in case of back pain follow advice given by a certified doctor or medical practitioner.
Myth: Exercise causes more back pain
Vigorous exercise can cause back pain, but regular, moderate exercise helps you avoid pain. To stay healthy, a regular regimen of stretching, strengthening and aerobic conditioning exercises, such as swimming, yoga, lightweights and walking have to be part of your lifestyle. Even in back pain light exercises are advised by doctors. Without exercise, back muscles can become weak and deconditioned, leading to pain and injury. Consult a spine specialist to find the right mix of exercise to help you stay healthy, strong and pain-free.
Myth: Sleeping on firm mattress helps
Sleeping on a stable balances surface is important for the back. It does not have to be a firm a mattress. In fact a firm mattress can cause damage to the back. Choose a mattress that brings comfort while resting. Too firm mattress puts stress on pressure point and alignment of body resulting in discomfort and long lasting damage to the back. Too soft surface and it causes permanent damage. The curvature of the spine is spoiled.
Myth: Don’t Lift Heavy Things
Weights strengthens the back, muscles and the body. Lifting weights need a pattern which does not hurt your back. Get directly in front of the object. Bend at your knees, not at your waist. Stand, using your legs to push up the load to your arms and the middle of the body. Don’t twist or bend your body, or you may hurt your back. Of course you shouldn’t pick up anything that might be too heavy for you. But some weights in your gym routines and daily chores do not cause injury.
Myth: Pain is caused by injury
Back pain is not always caused by injury. The spine and its surrounding muscles, tendons and ligaments comprise a well-designed structure that’s incredibly strong, flexible and supportive. It is not always injury that causes pain. Disc degeneration, diseases, infections, and even inherited conditions can make your back hurt, too. Consult a doctor for any kind of back pain.
Fact: Excess Weight means more pain
One who stays fit, stays away from back pain. Excess weight on your body is going to put strain on your back. It has been seen that people who are out of right body shape mostly suffer back pain, including mainly those who have a sitting job and are in a sitting position during most of the hours of the day.
Myth: Massage and Hot Bath will ease your pain
Massage therapies and hot bath can reduce acute back pain in the short-term, but do not provide a long-term solution to back problems. They are used to manage pain during recovery, allowing patients to complete a rehabilitation program and participate in daily activities. The solution to back pain lies with a practiced doctor or medical practioners. Do not equate the remedy to the pain as massages and hot bath.
Fact: Acupuncture may bring down the pain
Studies and researches state that yoga, cognitive-behavioral therapy, acupuncture and progressive relaxation can ease out the pain in your back, if simple self-care methods do not work.
Myth: Most back pain eventually requires surgery
Almost everyone will experience back pain in their lifetime. But very less actually need surgery. It is estimated that 90% of people with back pain will get better without treatment or by using conservative treatments such as anti-inflammatory medication, exercise, coping skills and physical therapy. Spine surgery is recommended in about 1% of cases, and only with very specific symptoms and diagnoses. Surgery should only be considered if all conservative treatments have been exhausted.
Fact: Chiropractic care can offer relief
Specialists believe that Chiropractic care, massage therapy and spinal manipulation can largely offer relief from back pain.
Myth: Back pain is a normal part of aging
No matter your age, back pain should not be a part of your normal day. It is true that as we age, our bodies can become more susceptible to certain types of painful back conditions. However, with all of the nonsurgical and surgical treatment options available today, back pain does not have to be a part of the aging process. Work with a specialist to find ways to improve your pain and enjoy life again, no matter your age.
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Tips to Relieve Your Back Pain