Misunderstandings about back pain Are you still underestimating back pain?

It may be a sharp, stabbing pain or a dull ache. Eight out of ten people will experience back pain sooner or later in their lives. Back pain is very common, and so are the misconceptions about it. See if you can tell which of the following statements are facts and which are myths.

Myth 1: Sitting upright all the time can prevent back pain

Yes, slouching is bad for your back. But sitting too upright and in the same position for long periods of time can also put stress on your back. If you sit for a long time every day, try the following technique a few times a day: Put your feet on the ground, lean your back against a chair, and bend your back slightly. A better approach is to stand for a while every day, such as when answering the phone or reviewing work materials.

Myth 2: Lifting heavy objects can damage your back

The key to the problem is not how heavy the object is, but how to move it. Of course, you shouldn't lift anything that's too heavy for you. When you are lifting a heavy object, you should squat down next to it with your back straight and your head up. Then stand up and lift the heavy object using the strength of your legs. When lifting heavy objects, do not bend your body. Lifting heavy objects can hurt your back if you don't straighten your body when you bend over to lift them - just like you would if you bent over in a chair to pick up a pencil that has fallen on the floor.

Myth 3: Stay in bed until the back pain goes away

Rest can indeed help relieve the acute injury or muscle strain that is causing your back pain. But the idea of ​​bed rest is a misconception. Spending a day or two in bed may make your back pain worse.

Myth 4: All back pain is caused by injury

Back pain can be caused by disc degeneration, trauma, disease, infection, and even genetic factors.

Myth 5: Extremely thin people don’t experience back pain

Anyone can experience back pain. In fact, people who are too thin, such as those with anorexia (eating disorder), may develop osteoporosis, which can lead to fractures or broken vertebrae.

Myth 6: Exercise makes back pain worse

This is an extremely common misunderstanding. Regular exercise can help prevent back pain. For people with back pain caused by an acute sprain, exercise can help relieve back pain. Your doctor may recommend an exercise program that starts with gentle movements and then gradually increases in intensity. And once the acute pain subsides, this exercise program will help prevent back pain from recurring.

Myth 7: The harder the mattress, the better for your back

According to a Spanish study of patients with nonspecific, long-term back pain, those who slept on a medium-firm mattress (5.6) reported less back pain and weakness than those who slept on a firm mattress (2.3 on a scale of 10 from hard to soft). However, different people may need different mattresses, depending on their sleeping habits and the cause of their back pain.

Fact 1: Overweight people are more likely to have back pain

Staying in shape can help prevent back pain. Back pain is most common among people who are out of shape, especially those who sit at work all week and can't wait to engage in strenuous exercise on the weekend. And as you might guess, obesity increases stress on your back.

Fact 2: Chiropractic massage can help relieve back pain

Guidelines from the American College of Physicians and the American Pain Society recommend that patients and doctors consider spinal manipulation for back pain, which can be performed by a chiropractor or massage therapist.

Fact 3: Acupuncture can help relieve back pain

According to the American College of Physicians and the American Pain Society, acupuncture may be considered for patients whose back pain is not relieved by standard self-care treatments. Likewise, consider progressive relaxation techniques such as yoga and cognitive-behavioral therapy.

Truth 4: Stretching helps relieve back pain

Stretching can effectively improve muscle tension throughout the body and effectively relieve back pain. “If your tendons grow an inch longer, your life span will increase by ten years”, still makes a lot of sense.