10. Myth: Lengthy bed rest is the best way to treat back pain.
- Fact: While resting can help, actually staying in bed can add to muscle stiffness.
9. Myth: People who do hard physical labor are most likely to develop back pain.
- Fact: People who sit at a desk are at equal risk. Everyone can lessen their risk by being “back-smart” at their place of work.
8. Myth: If you lift heavy objects, you are going to hurt your back.
- Fact: 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 or you may hurt your back.
7. Myth: Only people that are overweight and out of shape get back pain.
- Fact: While back pain is more common among those who are not physically fit, those who are attempting to get fit or stay fit are just as susceptible to suffer painful back injuries. “Weekend warriors”—people who go out and exercise a lot after being inactive all week—are more likely to suffer painful back injuries than people who make moderate physical activity a daily habit.
6. Myth: If you’re young, you won’t suffer back pain.
- Fact: Age-related changes can cause back pain, but the young are vulnerable too.
5. Myth: Back pain is usually caused by injuries.
- Fact: Poor posture over time, disc degeneration, injuries, diseases, infections, and even inherited conditions can cause back pain
4. Myth: If you have back pain, you will eventually need to have surgery.
- Fact: Surgery is the least common treatment for back pain.
3. Myth: If your back hurts, you should not exercise.
- Fact: Doctor-recommended activity can strengthen surrounding muscles and otherwise help people with back pain.
2. Myth: If you always sit up straight, you will not develop back pain.
- Fact: Always sitting up straight can put strain on your back. Change positions, stand from time to time and allow your back to assume its natural curve.
1. Myth: If you have back pain, you just have to live with it.
- Fact: There is no reason for anyone to think his or her condition cannot improve.
At Lancaster Orthopedic Group, we’re here to help patients suffering from all degrees of back pain. Whether you’re experiencing minor discomfort or debilitating pain, we’ll get to the root of what’s causing your pain and find an effective solution. Our spine specialists may refer you to physical therapy, where your therapist will work with you to improve or restore mobility and reduce back pain.
Not all back pain is the same, so your treatment should be tailored to your specific needs and condition. Individualized treatment for your specific lower back pain problems may include:
- Manual therapy, spinal manipulation to improve the mobility of your joints and tissues
- Strengthening and flexibility exercises
- Education on how you can take better care of your back to prevent back pain
- Education and tips on proper lifting, bending, sleeping positions and posture
- Use of heat or ice treatments or electrical stimulation to help relieve lower back pain
Whether you’ve suffered an injury or you’re dealing with back pain with no known cause, contact Lancaster Orthopedic Group today to schedule a consultation, or request an appointment on our website.