Back pain is the #1 leading cause of disability and missed days from work in the United States alone. Because about 80% of Americans will experience back pain at some point in their lives, it’s only natural that misinformation about it will spread around. Although “fake news” about back pain can travel far because of the power of the Internet, an equal amount of truth can be shared at the speed of light, just as well! Learn all about it right here!
Myth: Only older people can have back pain
The truth: While your chances of back pain increase as you age, that doesn’t exempt you from experiencing it before those “golden years.” By implementing healthy lifestyle habits you can help maintain an active body so that you can decrease the risk of some of these issues in the future. While it is not 100% guaranteed, it honestly never hurts to try.
Myth: Back pain is always the result of a major injury.
The truth: Back pain often develops over time. It can commonly occur due to having poor posture for years. If you struggle with your own posture, you can correct this by using a supportive pillow both at home, at work, and in your car.
Myth: Only overweight people experience back pain.
The truth: While being overweight or obese significantly increases your chances of back pain, that does not mean that people who have a normal BMI cannot experience it either. People who are underweight are more likely to break bones, leading to obvious pain.
Myth: Exercise always makes back pain worse.
The truth: While overworking your body can cause back pain, whether or not you are already experiencing it, not exercising at all can indeed make it worse. Stretching exercises recommended by your doctor or other back pain specialist can help steer you in the right direction, whether your pain is acute or chronic.
Myth: Having back pain means you will require surgery.
The truth: There are some remedies for back pain that do not require surgery. You may qualify for surgery if:
Your pain will not go away
The pain is present throughout your arms and legs
You experience symptoms of severe physical trauma
Myth: Lower back pain is a major symptom of pregnancy.
The truth: Research suggests that physical and hormonal changes can cause back pain to happen in the later phases of pregnancy, during the second or third trimester. It is not common to experience back pain during the first trimester.
While the Internet can serve as a fantastic resource for some of life’s biggest questions, Google is not a replacement for professional medical advice. Only a trained physician can properly examine your condition and take into account any issues that may be occurring. If you have any questions or concerns regarding back pain in general, do not delay setting up an appointment with your doctor or chiropractor. They will be able to find any problems that you may have not suspected and come with a proper treatment plan designated specifically for you, taking account of any other pre-existing medical conditions you may have.
