Myths About Back Pain
Knowing what works and what doesn't for back pain will help you feel better faster.
More than 100 million Americans suffer from chronic pain — pain that lasts for more than three months — and back pain is the most common. At some point, almost everyone will experience short periods of back pain that can interfere with daily activities. Pain is your body’s way of saying STOP and pay attention. Don't let these myths keep you from feeling bette
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Myth: Rest Is the Best Thing for Pain Management
Resting a bad back for more than a day or two is rarely helpful. Several studies now show that bed rest can actually make back pain worse. Instead, manage back pain through movement. Stretching, swimming, and walking will help keep you limber and get you through back pain better than resting.
Myth: Losing Weight Is the Best Back Pain Prevention
Being overweight is a risk factor for back pain, but there are plenty of athletic people with back pain. Men and women get back pain equally, and it usually occurs between the ages of 30 and 50. Common risk factors include the wear and tear that comes with age, injury, being inactive, poor posture, poor sleeping position, smoking, and stress. Losing weight is great, but being overweight is just one factor among many that contribute to back pain.
Myth: Many people with Chronic Pain need Surgery
With improved technology we can now see degenerative changes in the back that we never saw before. Most back pain, even chronic pain, is not treated with surgery. Only in the most serious cases of back pain, when other pain management treatments have not worked, should surgery be considered.
Myth: You Should See a Chiropractor at the First Sign of Pain
Studies on chiropractic back manipulation show that it provides mild to moderate relief, but it is best if combined with Massage Therapy to release and relax the tight muscles.
Myth: People With Severe Back Pain Need Narcotics
Anti-inflammatory pain medications and muscle relaxants are all most people need. Stronger narcotic-type pain medications stimulate more pain receptors to become activated in the brain, making pain seem worse and do not address the root cause of the pain. Alternative choices such as Massage Therapy, Acupuncture or Chiropractic care address the root cause of the pain and give the body the tools it needs to heal itself naturally.
Myth: Doctors Do Not Recommend Acupuncture for Back Pain
There is evidence that acupuncture is good for chronic pain and back pain. The American Pain Society and the American College of Physicians both recommend that doctors consider acupuncture as a treatment for chronic back pain.
Myth: Once a Bad Back, Always a Bad Back
Back pain is common, but good back pain management and back pain prevention can keep most backs healthy, even if you have had back pain in the past. Doing some simple core exercises on a daily basis can strengthen the muscles that support your spine. Stay active, stretch before and after exercise and get
regular massage to keep muscles healthy.
