Back pain is the greatest source of global disability, ahead of nearly 300 other conditions, leading to huge levels of healthcare costs and suffering. And the effects go far beyond pain, weakness and stiffness – they also have a huge impact the social and family lives of sufferers.
Many people with back pain don’t manage it well because of wrong advice – and a lot of unhelpful back pain treatment myths and what you should do about it. Healthcare professionals all over the world speak to patients who think, for example, that back pain can damage their backs. This is not always the case. The weight of evidence shows that many assumptions made about lower back pain are wrong and, what’s more, could be harmful.
Here are some of the most common back pain myths.
Exercise can cause back pain
Just the opposite. If you’re not physically active, you’re more likely to experience back pain. Exercise helps to strengthen abdominal and back muscles, which in turn support and stabilize the spine. Daily, moderate levels of physical exercise — such as walking or low-impact aerobics — are recommended. Back injuries happen more frequently for “weekend warriors.” So being inactive all week and binge exercising on the weekend may not be in your best interest.
Pain is always from injury
While back pain can be the result of an injury, other causes are possible. Medical conditions such as tumors, kidney stones, fibromyalgia and some spinal infections can cause back pain. Some conditions of the spine, including disc degeneration or congenital anomalies, may contribute as well. Proper diagnosis is key if you have on-going pain.
Bed rest is always the answer
On the contrary, prolonged bed rest can actually worsen your symptoms and slow down the recovery process. Though you may need a few days rest, depending on the severity of the injury, light exercise is typically recommended. Walking and stretching — even swimming — are beneficial types of movement that can actually accelerate healing.
Herniated discs need to be surgically repaired
If your spinal discs weaken, they may herniate or rupture, causing the discs to leak. This irritates the surrounding nerves, resulting in back and leg pain. Though the condition sounds frightening, greater than 90 percent of ruptured or herniated discs improve on their own. The usual course of treatment includes reduced activity and anti-inflammatories. Physical therapy may also help, depending on your medical circumstances.
If you’re physically active, you won’t get back pain
Not necessarily. Though exercise can help strengthen the muscles along your spine and increase flexibility, it does not make you immune to back pain. Overexertion, a new exercise routine, congenital spinal irregularities — and even the day-to-day wear and tear on your spine as you age — are some of the factors that can contribute to back pain.
Bulging discs are a major medical problem
Bulging discs are not considered a major medical problem. In fact, they are a normal part of growing older and the reason we become shorter with age. Only a small number of patients experience pain from bulging discs. Most of us are unaware when bulging discs happen.
If you go see a spine specialist, you will always end up having surgery
Only about 7% of those with back problems end up needing surgery. There are specific situations, based on your medical condition, when surgery is necessary. But most back injuries never require surgery. An orthopaedic spine specialist would only recommend surgery after all other treatment interventions were unsuccessful.
