Common Misconceptions about Back Pain

Submitted By Stephen Ritter M.D.
07.17.2010

According to the America Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, back pain is the most frequent cause of lost work days in adults under the age of 45 and affects four out of five adults at some point in their lives. However, there are some common misconceptions about who is susceptible to back pain and what the best treatment is.
Here are a few things to consider:
· Myth: Only overweight people or those in physical jobs get back pain – Being overweight can put a person at risk for back pain but smoking, old age and depression can also be contributing factors. Those individuals that sit for a long period of time such as office workers or truck drivers may also be susceptible to back pain. To reduce this risk, people should use chairs with good lumbar support and stretch on a daily basis.

· Myth: Back surgery is the best medical option – While some injuries do require surgery, simple back pain can be treated with rest, physical therapy and anti-inflammatory medication. If the pain does not subside after using conservative methods of treatment, then surgery may be the next course of treatment. Ultimately, it is best to talk to an orthopedic spine surgeon to evaluate your pain or injury and determine the right course of treatment.

· Myth: Stay in bed until the pain goes away – If you have acute strain or injury, rest is important for a few days, but lying in bed for longer than that can cause muscles and joints to stiffen and weaken, which slows your recovery. If you must rest in bed, make sure to get up every hour and walk for a few minutes to keep back muscles strong. Using a heating pad or taking a hot shower can also loosen the muscles and reduce pain.

· Myth: Exercise is bad for your back – Conditioning your back muscles and stabilizing your spine can be done by strengthening your core and abdominal muscles. Yoga and flexibility exercises are also a good way to reverse muscle weakness and decrease stress on the spine.

If your back pain does not subside within a few weeks, you develop a fever or feel tingling or numbness, see an orthopedic spine surgeon immediately for a proper diagnosis. Don’t let back pain, or misconceptions about back pain, keep you from living a full life.

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