Back Pain Pictures Slideshow: Myths and Facts About Back Pain
More Slideshows from MedicineNet
Watch and learn from these additional pictures slideshows.
10 Worst Cities for Spring Allergies Slideshow
The Truth About Back Pain
It might be a sharp stab. It might be a dull ache. Sooner or later, eight out of 10 of us will have back pain. Back pain is common -- and so are back pain myths. See if you can tell the myths from the facts.
Myth: Always sit up straight to prevent back pain.
Okay, slouching is bad for your back. But sitting up too straight too still for too long can be a strain on the back. If you sit a lot, try this a few times a day: Lean back in your chair with your feet on the floor and a slight curve in your back. Even better: Try standing for part of the day, while on the phone or while reading work materials.
Myth: Lifting heavy objects hurts your back.
It's not necessarily how much you lift, it's how you lift. Of course you shouldn't lift anything that might be too heavy for you. When you lift, squat close to the object with your back straight and head up. Stand, using your legs to lift the load. Do not twist or bend your body while lifting. It can really hurt your back to twist while bending and lifting with your feet on the floor -- as you might do when reaching down from a chair to lift a dropped pencil.
Myth: Stay in bed until back pain goes away.
Yes, resting can help an acute injury or strain that causes back pain. But it's a myth that you should stay in bed. A day or two in bed can make your back pain worse.
Myth: Back pain is always caused by an injury.
Disc degeneration, injuries, diseases, infections, and even inherited conditions can cause back pain.
Fact: Overweight people suffer more back pain.
Staying fit helps prevent back pain. Back pain is most common among people who are out of shape, especially weekend warriors who engage in vigorous activity after sitting around all week. And as you might guess, obesity stresses the back.
Myth: Skinny people don't get back pain.
Anyone can get back pain. In fact, people who are too thin, such as those suffering from anorexia, an eating disorder, may suffer bone loss resulting in fractured or crushed vertebrae.
Myth: Exercise is bad for your back pain.
A big myth. Regular exercise prevents back pain. And for people suffering an acute injury resulting in lower back pain, doctors may recommend an exercise program that begins with gentle exercises and gradually increases in intensity. Once the acute pain subsides, an exercise regimen may help prevent future recurrence of back pain.
Fact: Chiropractic adjustments can help back pain.
The American College of Physicians and American Pain Society guidelines for treatment of lower back pain recommend that patients and doctors consider spinal manipulation -- either by a chiropractor or a massage therapist -- for patients with back pain.
Fact: Acupuncture can help back pain.
According to guidelines from the American College of Physicians and the American Pain Society, patients and their doctors should consider acupuncture among treatments for back pain patients who do not get relief from standard self care. Yoga, progressive relaxation, and cognitive-behavioral therapy are also suggested for consideration.
Myth: A super-firm mattress is best for your back.
A Spanish study of people with longstanding, non-specific back pain showed that those who slept on a medium-firm mattress -- rated 5.6 on a 10-point hard-to-soft scale -- had less back pain and disability than those who slept on a firm mattress (2.3 on the scale) mattress. However, depending on their sleep habits and the cause of their back pain, different people may need different mattresses.
More Reading on Back Pain
Advertisement
Reviewed by
Brunilda Nazario, MD on August 28, 2009 Sources: 
IMAGES PROVIDED BY:
(1) Image Source
(2) Ryan McVay/Photodisc
(3) Matthias Tunger/Stone
(4) Eric O'Connell/Iconica
(5) Image Source
(6) Sian Kennedy/Stone
(7) Gio Barto/Photographers Choice
(8) Three Images/Photographer's Choice
(9) Gabriela Medina/Blend Images
(10) Mel Yates/Digital Vision
(11) Ray Kachatorian/Photographer's Choice
REFERENCES:
WebMD Back Pain Health Center.
National Institutes of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases: "Back Pain," updated July 15, 2009.
Division of Occupational Health and Safety, NIH: "Ergonomics for Computer Workstations," accessed July 30, 2009.
National Guideline Clearinghouse: "Diagnosis and treatment of low back pain: A joint clinical practice guideline from the American College of Physicians and the American Pain Society," Reviewed July 27, 2009.
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: "Low Back Pain Exercise Guide," Accessed July 30, 2009.
Chou, R. Annals of Internal Medicine, October 2007; vol 147: pp 478-514.
Kovacs, F.M. Lancet, Nov. 15, 2003; vol 362: pp 1599-604.
This tool does not provide medical advice. See additional information:  THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE.
It is intended for general informational
purposes only and does not address individual circumstances. It is not a
substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and should
not be relied on to make decisions about your health. Never ignore professional
medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the
MedicineNet Site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call
your doctor or dial 911. © 2009 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.
|