Back pain is the most common cause of disability. Americans spend over $50 billion a year on treatment and remedies. But as prevalent as it is, many misunderstandings prevail. Here are 6 myths about back pain you should understand.
1.Bed Rest Will Always Help Back Pain
No! Most of the time, moving is actually better than bed rest. It prevents the joints and muscles from becoming stiff. It increases blood flow, which provides vital oxygen and nutrients to the cells, and removes the byproducts of inflammation.
2.Sciatica Is Always Caused By Damaged Discs And Requires Surgery
No! There are many other possible causes of sciatica:
- Irritation of the roots of the lower spine
- Narrowing of the spinal canal in the lower back (lumbar spinal stenosis)
- A vertebra that has shifted (spondylolisthesis)
- Muscle spasms in the back or buttocks
3.MRI Abnormalities Are Always The Cause Of Pain
No! A majority of people who do NOT suffer pain have issues that show up on an MRI. Minor disc herniation and degenerative wear and tear do not always cause pain.
4.Bending And Lifting Are The Major Cause Of Back Pain
No! While lifting can cause back pain in some circumstances, most cases are not the result of one incident.
5.Back Pain Is Mostly Genetic
No! Inherited conditions like ankylosing spondylitis are rare. Likewise, the presence of a common gene in people with disc degeneration is only indicated in a small number of cases.
6.The Spine Is Easily Injured
No! The spine is flexible yet sturdy and strong enough to perform most normal tasks without incident.
The qualified therapists at Body Balance Physical Therapy can diagnose the cause of your back pain. Joint dysfunction, muscular strain, spasms, postural issues and pain from repetitive movement can all be addressed with stretches, hands-on manual therapy and strengthening exercises. Once therapy is complete, you’ll be released with a home program of stretches and exercises that will enable you to continue progressing and living pain free!
Call today for an immediate appointment.
Twin Falls 208-736-9011 Gooding 208-934-9011
This blog is designed to provide general information on pertinent physical therapy topics. The statements made are provided for educational purposes only. They do not constitute medical advice nor do they necessarily reflect the views of Body Balance Physical Therapy or any of its therapists other than the author. This blog is not intended to create a therapist-client relationship between you and Body Balance Physical Therapy. If you have specific questions as to the application of this information to your medical condition, you should seek the advice of your physical therapist.