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Debunking All the Myths Related to Back Pain

Did you know that back pain is the leading cause of disability worldwide?

Published: November 8, 2016 4:40 AM IST

By Chhaya Nene

back pain myths

Did you know that back pain is the leading cause of disability worldwide? Speaking from first-hand experience, the pain is not a joke and it is not restricted to the elderly. There are many misconceptions that come along with trying to understand something that affects so many.

Here are some of those myths about back pain debunked!

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1. Back Pain and Back Problems Won’t Happen to Me

As we said in the introduction, back pain affects a ton of people. In fact, 8 out of 10 people will experience back pain at some point in their lives, so it’s important to understand how to prep and deal with it once it happens.

2. Moving will Make my Back Pain Worse

Nope—you must keep moving. You can move slowly but it’s important to keep your mobility going especially to increase blood flow. Ladies, if you’re on your period, it’s easy to curl up on a couch in the fetal position and not exercise, however, if you do it regularly, blood flow will increase and you cramps will reduce.

3. Avoid Exercise at all Costs

Avoiding exercise and weight lifting is not the way to go. Gentle exercise is perfectly acceptable when experiencing back pain, you just need to go slow. Don’t be afraid to challenge yourself eventually. Small weights aren’t going to kill you.

4. A Scan Show you What’s Wrong

Psychologically, you may feel better knowing what’s wrong, on the flipside, seeing a scan can make one fearful of any kind of movement.

5. Pain Means Damage

It’s easy to think that pain means your back is forever damaged. This is obviously not the case. Pain can be managed and even alleviated. Don’t let the fear of the pain ruin your mobility. A heating pad can do wonders for back aches. If you don’t have a heating pad, grab a disposable one from your local pharmacy. Alternatively, you can use Icy Hot or take some Ibuprofen or Advil to quell the pain.

6. Physical Activity Means Immunity from Pain

While you may be less prone to pain, it can happen to anyone anywhere. If you play a sport that requires lots of back work, be sure to add stretches and conditioning to help make sure you avoid injuries.

7. Back Pain only Occur to the Elderly

Back pain injuries are actually most common among those ages 35-55. After the age of 55, back pain tends to decrease. Also, if you have back pain when you’re younger, it doesn’t mean that it will get worse as you get older.

8. My Parents Have it, So I’ll Have it

Back pain is not genetic. Just because your parents didn’t have any back pain does not mean you will not have it either—you can still experience it. If you want to remain limber, try gentle yoga. Yoga keeps you flexible and can help with preventing back pain.

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