For example, surgery is not the only or best option in all cases
By Mayo Clinic
Back pain is one of the most prevalent health issues globally, affecting up to 80% of individuals at some point in their lives and ranking among the leading causes of disability across all age groups.
The
condition encompasses a broad spectrum of problems involving muscles,
ligaments, intervertebral discs, nerves, and the vertebral column itself,
making its origins multifactorial and often difficult to pinpoint.
Its impact reaches far beyond individual discomfort—chronic
or recurrent back pain contributes to reduced mobility, lost workdays, and
diminished quality of life, placing a significant burden on healthcare systems
worldwide.
Despite its commonality, several misconceptions about it
persist.
Meghan Murphy, M.D., a neurosurgeon with the Mayo Clinic Health System in
Mankato, outlines eight of the most frequent myths and explains what scientific
evidence actually shows.
Myth: Lifting heavy objects is the main cause of back
pain.
Fact: Lifting heavy objects with poor form can contribute to
back pain, but the major culprits are a sedentary lifestyle, poor posture,
obesity, and genetic factors.
Myth: Bed rest will make my back pain better.
Fact: Probably not, but it depends on the cause of your
pain. If it’s muscle strain, taking it easy for a few days may help. However,
bed rest can also make back pain last longer or even worsen. If your pain is
from nerve compression, a disc issue, or joint degeneration, inactivity can
cause muscles to tighten, pain to worsen, loss of physical condition, and more
debility. In these cases, you should modify your activities, switch to
low-impact exercises like walking and swimming, and avoid movements like bending,
twisting, or lifting. Maintaining some degree of physical activity can help you
heal faster.
Myth: Back pain is caused by sitting on a fat wallet.
Fact: Sitting with a large wallet in your back pocket can
cause leg or hip pain and numbness, but typically not back pain. A large wallet
can tilt your pelvis and compress your sciatic nerve. This nerve is the largest
in your body, branching from the lower back through your hips, buttocks, and
down each leg. Compressing it causes pain or numbness while sitting or driving.
After sitting for a long time, you may find walking difficult or feel pins and
needles in your legs.
First, try removing the wallet and taking over-the-counter
anti-inflammatory medications. If the leg pain persists, check with a
healthcare professional.
Myth: Back pain is always due to a serious underlying
condition.
Fact: Back pain is usually caused by muscle strains or
sprains, not by a serious condition like a disc or vertebrae issue. Most back
pain resolves on its own.
Myth: Avoid exercise when experiencing back pain.
Fact: Exercise and physical activity are usually recommended
for managing and preventing back pain. Strengthening the core muscles,
including your back muscles, improving flexibility, and maintaining a healthy
weight can contribute to a healthier back. Depending on your pain, you may need
to modify your activity. You know your body best, so listen to it. If something
isn’t getting better or grows progressively worse, contact a healthcare
professional for an evaluation.
Myth: Surgery is the only solution for chronic back pain.
Fact: Back pain is often caused by issues that aren’t
relieved with surgery.
Non-surgical treatments like physical therapy, medications, injections and
lifestyle modifications are often effective in managing and reducing chronic
back pain. Surgery may be necessary if your pain:
- Intensifies,
especially at night or when you lie down.
- Spreads
down one or both legs.
- Causes
weakness, numbness, or tingling in one or both legs.
- Occurs
with new bowel or bladder control problems.
Seek an immediate medical evaluation if you experience any
of these symptoms.
Myth: A firm mattress is the best for alleviating back
pain.
Fact: The ideal mattress firmness varies from person to
person. Some people may find relief with a firm mattress, while others may
prefer a medium or soft one. When shopping for a new mattress, look for one
that provides support and comfort based on your preferences and needs.
Myth: Poor posture doesn’t contribute to back pain.
Fact: Many people spend hours slouching while staring at a
computer or focusing on cellphones that draw the eyes down and curve the neck.
These habits can strain muscles and joints, causing body pain over time.
Practice good posture habits and take advantage of ergonomic office equipment
to help prevent and alleviate back pain.
Some back issues can’t be avoided, like those caused by
injuries, arthritis, or genetics. Three things you can do to preserve the
health of your back are:
- Maintain
an ideal body weight.
Excess weight causes increased stress on all joints, including the spine. - Strengthen
your core.
Stronger core muscles, including abdominal and intrinsic back muscles, can help take the stress off your spine. - Stay
active.
Regular movement is essential for keeping your body active.
