Misconceptions about Back Pain
It’s just a fact of life: as we age, our bodies just don’t work like they used to. And often, back pain is a common complaint. It’s not unusual for those suffering from back pain seek advice from family or friends before going to a doctor. Referrals can be great! But advice seeking can also lead to misconceptions about back pain and spine surgery.
Listed below are just a few of the misconceptions we’ve come across over the years. Have you been misled by any of these?
“The best way to deal with back pain is to rest until it goes away.”
Resting is not the only way to deal with back pain. In some cases limited activity may be necessary but you should try to keep moving as much as you can. Stretching properly helps keep your muscles active and can help you recover more quickly.
“If I have back pain, I must have injured my back in some way.”
This is not necessarily true. There are a number of diseases that can cause back pain. Degenerative disc disease is a gradual process that commonly compromises the spine. The intervertebral discs in the lumbar spine are structures prone to the degenerative changes associated with wear and tear, aging, and misuse (e.g. smoking).
“Back pain happens to everyone as they get older.”
While back pain is common and older patients are more susceptible, back pain can happen to anyone. From dogs to children to teens to adults to the elderly; anyone can be affected by back pain but it does not necessarily mean that they all will be. A healthy lifestyle and positive posture practice help keep the spine engaged, strong, and healthy.
“If I tell my doctor, they will try to get me to have surgery.”
Research has found that in many cases physical therapy and exercising have helped relieve back pain. In some cases surgery may be necessary but it is not the only solution. Pain medication may also be administered as an attempt to avoid surgery.
