8 Myths About Back Pain That Should Be Addressed


 

If you experience back pain, you may have heard terms like disc bulges, weak cores, and out-of-place joints. Moving with your back locked is painful, and you'll do anything to prevent it. However, when it comes to preventing or treating back pain, a lot of conflicting advice is available. Understanding the difference between myths and facts about back pain is critical to maintaining your back healthy and pain-free. In this article, we have gathered eight common myths about back pain that should be addressed. 

1. Bed rest will cure my back pain

Probably not, although it depends on the source of your condition. If your back pain results from a muscle strain, resting for a few days may help. However, bed rest can prolong or aggravate back pain. If your pain is caused by nerve compression, a disc issue, or joint degeneration, lack of physical activity can cause muscle tightness and extra pain, as well as a loss of physical condition and increased weakness. You can switch to low-impact exercises like walking and swimming and avoid movements that may aggravate pain, such as bending, twisting, or lifting.

2. Firmer mattresses are better

In Spanish research, patients with chronic back pain who slept on a medium-firm mattress reported reduced discomfort and improved mobility compared to those who slept on a firm mattress. However, there is no single option that fits everyone. Choose your mattress based on your sleep habits and the source of your back pain.

3. Chronic back pain is associated with soft tissue injury

Tissues usually recover within three months of an injury; therefore, if pain continues after this period, it is typically due to other causes. Many cases of back pain occur without injury or with normal routine movements. Stress, tension, exhaustion, inactivity, or new exercise can also cause the back to be sensitive to movement and loading.

4. Exercise is bad for back pain

Regular exercise can help avoid back discomfort. Doctors may also prescribe exercise to those who have recently hurt their lower back. They normally start with moderate movements and progressively increase the intensity. Once the initial discomfort subsides, an exercise regimen can help prevent it from reoccurring.

5. Back pain is always dangerous

There are quite a few cases in which back pain is life-threatening, and immediate medical attention is necessary. The majority of injuries (strains, pulls, etc.) are self-treatable. It's the same with chronic back pain. In most cases, surgery is not necessary. However, healing may take longer than with a more severe injury. But if your back pain is sudden, severe, or accompanied by other symptoms, you can search for "pain management doctors near me" to evaluate your condition.

6. Chronic back pain indicates that something is severely damaged

Most injuries will recover within three months. If pain lasts for an extended period, it is most likely that additional factors are to blame. Stress, poor sleep, a sedentary lifestyle, and exerting yourself can contribute to your back and associated tissues being more sensitive to movement and exercise.

7. Poor posture doesn’t lead to back pain

Many individuals spend hours glued to a computer while slouching rather than sitting up straight, or they focus on cellphones, which bring the eyes down and bend the neck. These practices can strain muscles and joints, resulting in pain over time. To help avoid and relieve back pain, maintain proper posture and use ergonomic workplace equipment.

8. Back pain is caused by a weak core

 A weak core doesn't lead to back pain. Pain in the back can cause the core muscles to tighten up in an attempt to protect the back; therefore, learning to relax your core can help you manage your pain. Strengthening your core is a good idea since you will need it in specific cases, such as lifting heavy objects.

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