Worryingly, there
is a lot of misinformation about back ache out there. How many times have you
been led to believe that exercise can hurt a bad back? Or that bed rest is the
best cure for back ache?
Myths about spine
pain are almost as prevalent as the pain itself. And it's crucial to get the
facts.
Gaining a decent
level of knowledge about your back health will allow you to work more
productively with your healthcare team. So here are four important things you
should know about back pain:
1: Gentle stretches
before going to bed can help ease back issues in the morning
If you get up in
the morning feeling like your spine needs a gallon of oil just to straighten
up, start doing some gentle back stretches before falling asleep. An effective
stretching exercise is to lie on your back and bring your knees to your chest.
Sitting on a chair and pulling your knees up to your chest can also be
beneficial. If stiffness or pain persists, contact a healthcare professional.
2: Other problems
can cause back pain
Most types of back
problems are caused by muscle strain or mechanical issues, but there are other
more serious causes, such as infection or arthritis, which you should also be
aware of. Never assume that your back pain is just "one of those
things"; a chiropractor or healthcare professional should always evaluate
the cause of your symptoms through conducting a physical exam and reviewing
your medical history. Back pain is common, but it is certainly not normal.
Don't ignore it.
3: You should wait
as long as you can before undergoing back surgery
Most medical
professionals advise patients to wait as long as they can before undergoing
spine surgery. This is usually because back surgery only helps to relieve some,
but not all, causes of back ache. With proper care and attention, most back
problems have the ability to improve without the need for invasive measures.
4: You can reduce
chronic back problems by improving your overall health
This is probably
the most important thing you can know about back and spine pain. Just like any
other medical condition, chronic back pain can be improved when your overall
health is better.
Stopping smoking,
getting enough quality sleep, reducing stress and getting regular exercise are
all effective ways to boost your health and improve the condition of your
spine. A reputable chiropractor will be able to discuss with you the best
options for your condition.
When it comes to
your back health, knowledge really is power!
