Many people around the world suffer from back pain, yet many misconceptions still circulate about its causes and treatment methods.
Back pain: Between misconceptions and medical facts
Therefore, Dr. Megan Murphy, a neurosurgeon at the Mayo Clinic, presented a set of common beliefs about back pain, the scientific facts that refute them, and how to deal with this pain correctly.
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Let's explore together the most common misconceptions about back pain and the truth behind them:
1. Myth: Lifting heavy objects is the main cause of back pain.
Fact: While lifting incorrectly can cause pain, the most influential factors include a sedentary lifestyle, poor posture, excess weight, and genetic predisposition.
2. Myth: Complete bed rest is the best solution for back pain.
Fact: Short periods of rest may be beneficial in cases of acute muscle strain, but prolonged rest often worsens or prolongs pain, especially in cases of nerve compression or disc problems. Lack of movement causes muscle stiffness and loss of fitness, so it is advisable to maintain light activity such as walking or swimming, while avoiding sudden movements.
3. Myth: Sitting on a thick wallet causes back pain.
Fact: It often leads to pain or numbness in the hip or leg due to pressure on the sciatic nerve, not direct back pain. The solution is simple: remove your wallet from your back pocket while sitting.
4. Myth: Any back pain indicates a serious problem.
Fact: Approximately 90% of back pain cases are caused by muscle strain or minor ligament injuries and improve spontaneously within a few weeks, without being related to serious spinal problems.
5. Myth: You should avoid exercise when you have back pain.
Fact: On the contrary, regular physical activity and appropriate exercises, especially those that strengthen core muscles and improve flexibility, are among the most important methods of treatment and prevention. The intensity of the exercises should only be adjusted according to the degree of pain, and a doctor should be consulted if the pain persists or worsens.
6. Myth: Surgery is the only solution for chronic back pain.
Fact: Most cases respond to non-surgical treatments such as physical therapy, medication, local injections, and lifestyle modifications. Surgery is reserved for cases with warning signs, such as severe nighttime pain, pain radiating down the legs, weakness and numbness, or bladder or bowel control problems, which require urgent medical evaluation.
7. Myth: A firm mattress is best for back health.
Fact: There is no perfect mattress for everyone. The best option is a mattress that strikes a balance between support and comfort, according to the individual's needs and health condition.
8. Myth: Poor posture while sitting or standing doesn't affect your back.
Fact: Repeatedly slouching in front of screens strains muscles and joints and can lead to chronic pain. Improving your work environment and taking regular breaks to stretch are recommended.
The truth: In reality, this can lead to pain or numbness in the leg or hip, not directly in the back, due to the wallet pressing on the sciatic nerve. The simple solution is to remove the wallet from your back pocket while sitting.
An innovative program that offers an effective way to relieve chronic back pain
To maintain long-term back health, it is recommended to:
Weight control to reduce pressure on the spine.
Strengthening the abdominal and back muscles to support the vertebrae.
Maintain regular movement and physical activity.
Adhering to correct sitting and standing postures.
While some back problems may be caused by injuries or unavoidable genetic factors, following these guidelines greatly contributes to reducing the risk of developing pain and limiting its severity.
