{"id":12141,"date":"2010-07-07T04:36:28","date_gmt":"2010-07-07T10:36:28","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/dominicanewsonline.com\/?p=12141"},"modified":"2010-07-07T12:42:53","modified_gmt":"2010-07-07T18:42:53","slug":"health-talk-myths-and-facts-about-back-pain","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dominicanewsonline.com\/news\/homepage\/columns\/health-talk\/health-talk-myths-and-facts-about-back-pain\/","title":{"rendered":"HEALTH TALK: Myths and facts about back pain"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/a>It might be a sharp stab. It might be a dull ache. Sooner or later, eight out of ten (80%) of us will have back pain. Back pain is common \u2013 and so are myths about them. Let\u2019s try to separate a few myths from facts.<\/p>\n

MYTH: Always sit up straight to prevent back pain. <\/strong><\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

MYTH: Lifting heavy objects hurts your back.<\/strong><\/p>\n

It\u2019s not necessarily how much you lift, it\u2019s how you lift. Of course you shouldn\u2019t 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 \u2013 as you might do when reaching down from a chair to lift a dropped pencil.<\/p>\n

MYTH: Stay in bed until back pain goes away.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Yes, resting can help an acute injury or strain that causes back pain. But it\u2019s a myth that you should stay in bed. A day or two in bed can make your back pain worse.<\/p>\n

MYTH: Back pain is always caused by an injury.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Disc degeneration, injuries, diseases, infections, and even inherited conditions can cause back pain.<\/p>\n

FACT: Overweight people suffer more back pain.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Staying fit helps prevent back pain. Back pain is more 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.<\/p>\n

MYTH: Skinny people don\u2019t get back pain.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Anyone can get back pain. In fact, people who are too thin, such as those suffering from the eating disorder, anorexia, may suffer bone loss resulting in fractures or crushed vertebrae.<\/p>\n

MYTH: Exercise is bad for your back pain.<\/strong><\/p>\n

This is 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, and exercise regimen may help prevent future recurrence of back pain.<\/p>\n

FACT: Chiropractic adjustments can help back pain.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Experts in the U.S. have given guidelines for treatment of lower back pain that recommend patients and doctors consider spinal manipulation \u2013 either by a chiropractor or a massage therapist \u2013 for patients with back pain.<\/p>\n

FACT: Acupuncture can help back pain.<\/strong><\/p>\n

According to U.S. experts\u2019 guidelines, 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 \u2013 behavioral therapy (psychiatrists) are also suggested for consideration.<\/p>\n

MYTH: A super-firm mattress is best for your back.<\/strong><\/p>\n

A particularly interesting study of people with longstanding, non-specific back pain showed that those who slept on a medium-firm mattress \u2013 rated 5.6 on a 10-point hard-to-soft scale \u2013 had less back pain and disability than those who slept on a firm mattress (2.3 on the scale). However, depending on their sleep habits and the cause of their back pain, different people may need different mattresses.<\/p>\n

See you next week.<\/strong><\/p>\n

No promises, but we may say a few, or a lot, of things about osteoarthritis. Let me whet your appetite with something you need to know, and I\u2019m quoting from an authoritative source. \u201cOverall studies suggest no benefits of glucosamine and chondroitin \u2013 supplements available at pharmacies and health food stores touted for relieving\u00a0 pain and stiffness for people with osteoarthritis.\u201d Take note. Next week then.<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"It might be a sharp stab. It might be a dull ache. Sooner or later, eight out of ten (80%) of us will have back pain. Back pain is common \u2013 and so are myths about them. 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