| Introduction to Back Pain Myths |
Because back pain is so prevalent in our society, many myths have been created in the attempt to explain this very complex health problem. Each case of back pain requires individual solutions, and knowing the facts and misconceptions about back pain can affect how quickly you might recover.
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| Myth: |
Physical laborers are at high risk for back
pain. |
| Fact: |
Actually, those who lead a sedentary life-style are at equal
risk. Truck drivers, office workers, and others who sit for
long periods of time put stress on their backs. You can reduce
the risk of injury by using a proper chair with back support,
raising your feet slightly with a stool or phone book, and taking
frequent stretch breaks. Studies indicate that stress levels,
job dissatisfaction and lack of proper stretching before sports
activity can contribute to back pain. |
Myth: |
Backache is the result of injury to the spine |
| Fact: |
Frequently, back pain result from the natural aging process
of the discs. This is often genetically determined, like so
many other medical conditions. Sudden twisting, bending, lifting,
or trauma can injure the disc's surrounding muscles even in
the young population. Aggravating the problem can be poor posture,
stress, improper shoes, smoking, and inappropriate work habits. |
Myth: |
Long bed rest is the best treatment for back pain. |
| Fact: |
Not true. New studies have shown us that usually three days
of rest is all that is required. Too much rest can stiffen and
weaken muscles and joints and worsen the pain. It's better to
get active, take a hot shower or use a heating pad and initiate
a gentle program of exercise to strengthen the back. Sometimes
back pain can last for up to four to six weeks. Most of the
time, it will diminish on its own accord if you exercise and
use moderation. Mild medications and physical therapy can help.
It's best to consult a spinal specialist to help you determine
what is causing your back pain and to help supervise progress. |
Myth: |
Back pain means eventual surgery. |
| Fact: |
Not usually. For most of us, back pain means a muscle strain,
relieved by a few days of rest and perhaps some mild anti-inflammatory
medication and exercises. Herniated or bulging discs can press
against nerves, causing pain, often felt down the leg (called
sciatica). Surgery is most often indicated when diagnostic test
reveal the center of the disc, a gel-like substance, has ruptured.
Often, physical therapy can help. When pain is not relieved
by those measures, then surgery is indicated. For those with
chronic back pain, it could mean arthritis, perhaps caused by
wear and tear. An exercise program that emphasizes flexibility
can help strengthen the back muscles. |
Myth: |
Back surgery is dangerous |
| Fact: |
Assuming tests reveal no abnormalities, surgery is only indicated
when other conservative treatments, such as rest, medication,
and physical therapy, have given ample time to work and the
pain still persists or spreads to the disc ruptures. In most
back surgeries, the spinal cord is not involved. And with new
highly accurate imaging systems (CAT and MRI scans) and new
microsurgical techniques, we have a highly accurate picture
and precise methods of surgery, which can speed recovery with
less pain and hospitalization.
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