Back Pain Myths And Facts: What You Should Know

 

Backache is one of the most common ailments with most people suffering from a significant amount at some point in their lives. The symptoms can vary from person to person, the pain can be in the upper region or the lower, it may be sharp or dull and it could last for a long or a brief period. Consulting the top chiropractors in Denver is recommended for effective care and relief from symptoms. Separating myths from facts is important so that you know what to do when your back hurts.

Always Sit Up Straight - Myth
Slouching is bad for your back, but so is sitting up too straight for too long because it also causes strain. If sitting for too long causes you backache, you can lean back intermittently with your feet on the ground and a slight curve in the lower back. Get up and stretch a bit whenever possible, like when getting a cup of coffee.

Bed Rest Is The Cure - Myth
Bed rest can help with an acute back strain or injury but staying in the bed isn’t always the solution. Laying in the bed can make back pain worse by weakening, stiffening and deconditioning the back. This could slow down the recovery process.

In the past, strict bed rest was widely recommended. But today, doctors are likely to recommend maintaining a moderate level of activity for effective back pain relief in Denver.

You Mustn’t Lift Heavy Objects - Myth
Of course, you don’t want to pick up heavy items beyond your capacity. But it’s not just about the weight that you lift but also the way you lift that weight. When lifting something heavy, try to be as close to the object as possible and squat to make a lift. Use your legs to lift and don’t bend or torque your body.

More Weight Means More Pain - Fact
The extra pounds can add to the strain, leading to more pain. It’s why people who are out of shape commonly complain of pain in the lumbar region. Especially weekend warriors who push their bodies hard after the rest of the week of inactivity. So staying fit helps prevent aches and is often recommended by top chiropractors in Denver.

Firm Mattresses Are Better - Myth
Sleeping on a mattress that’s too firm can worsen the pain because of the pressure it applies on regions like the hips and shoulders. On the other hand, if the mattress is too soft, then it won’t provide the necessary support to allow proper movement.

Meaning that you wake up sore whether your mattress is too firm or soft. Going for a medium-firm mattress offers ideal support to prevent further injury.

Chiropractic Can Help - Fact
Organizations like the American College of Physicians and the American Pain Society recommend other proven low back pain treatment options like spinal manipulation and massage. So, consulting the top chiropractors in Denver is definitely worth a try.

Acupuncture May Help - Fact
Acupuncture can help relieve many types of back pain that don’t respond to other treatments. You should also consider alternatives like yoga, progressive relaxation and cognitive behavior therapy.

Major Pain Means Major Injury - Myth
Pain is more complicated than people think. Two people suffering from similar back problems may experience different levels of ache.

The brain is more likely to sense and express pain in some people than others. Various factors play a role in the way we perceive pain. So major pain may not always, indicate a serious problem. Though you should still get a diagnosis from top chiropractors in Denver.

Surgery Is Needed For Slipped Disc - Myth
You don’t necessarily need surgery if you are diagnosed with a slipped disc. MRI studies indicate that the herniated area usually improves on its own. 90% of the slipped disks usually improve after six weeks. Most specialists usually recommend non-surgical treatments at first. If they don’t work, then surgery may be advised.

Exercise Is Bad For Back Pain - Myth
Regular exercise is important for preventing back problems. Doctors may recommend a guided, mild exercise program for back pain relief in Denver to those suffering from acute back issues. This often involves beginning with low-intensity exercises and increasing the intensity later.