How much do you really know about back pain? Test your knowledge with these 5 common myths that have been debunked about back pain.
Myth 1: Severe back pain correlates to the level of back damage
The amount of damage to your back isn’t always parallel to the extent of your pain. Most people are under the assumption that if they don’t feel any pain that there is nothing wrong with them – that they are healthy. Unfortunately, pain is a very poor indicator of health. In fact, pain and other symptoms frequently only appear after a disease or other condition has become advanced.
For example, consider a cavity in your tooth. Does it hurt when it first develops or only after it has become serious? How about heart disease? Regardless of whether you are talking about cancer, heart disease, diabetes, stress or problems with the spine, pain is usually the last thing to appear. When you begin chiropractic care, pain is also the first symptom to disappear, even though much of the underlying condition remains.
Myth 2: Back pain is hereditary.
For the most part, your genetics do not play a significant role in the cause of your back pain. Just because your parents or immediate family suffer from back pain, doesn’t mean you are doomed to as well. What can be passed down, however, is lifestyle choices. If your family does not live a healthy lifestyle of eating right and exercising, this can influence your actions which, in turn, can lead to serious back aches.
(Learn more about how we “create an outstanding patient experience” here)
Myth 3: There is a generalized cure for most symptoms of back pain.
Every body is unique and different and therefore, each person requires a unique and customized treatment and wellness plan. The treatment we provide you is based on several factors such as your health-related issues and concerns, types of treatments you are open to, results from the neurologic and orthopedic testing, x-ray results (if needed), and your past medical history. We take each of these into consideration when suggesting the most effective treatment for your unique condition.
Myth 4: Staying in bed is the key to recovering from back pain.
Although bed rest will help alleviate back pain, it is only recommended for a couple of days. Inactivity can even worsen your pain if you remain immobile for an extended period. Rehabilitation and physical therapy are highly recommended to get you back up and moving.
Myth 5: Sitting up straight will prevent back pain.
Your posture should be relaxed with the natural curvature of your spine. If you are positioning your body at an over exaggerated, ninety-degree angle, you will put a strain on your spinal disks and associated muscles and tendons. This type of “perfect posture,” tightens your muscles and positions your back in an unnatural way. There is no perfect posture that can be held for a significant about of time. You should change your position throughout the day, even if you are simply sitting at your desk.
If you have any questions on what is true and what is a myth about back pain, feel free to email us or give us a call today! Contact our office here.