6 Myths & Facts About Back Pain

Myth: BACK PAIN WON’T HAPPEN TO ME!
Fact: Back pain is extremely prevalent. Indeed, about 8 out of 10 people will experience back pain during their lifetime. Low back pain is:
The most common cause of disability for people younger than 45 years of age.
The second most common reason for visits to the doctor’s office.
Is responsible for about 15% of all sick leave from work.

Myth: THE BEST CURE FOR BACK PAIN IS BED REST!
Fact: Prolonged bed rest for more than a day or two could worsen your back pain. The back muscles could become deconditioned and stiff with prolonged inactivity. In addition, lying in bed all the time could cause emotional distress and depression.

Myth: PHYSICALLY ACTIVE INDIVIDUALS DON’T SUFFER FROM BACK PAIN!
Fact: Back pain can affect all people regardless of their level of activity. It is true, however, that physically active and well-conditioned individuals are less likely to suffer an episode of back pain when compared to those with more sedentary lifestyles.

Myth: OLD AGE IS THE CAUSE OF MY BACK PAIN!
Fact: It is true that degeneration of the spine and its constituents is a natural part of the aging process. While aging could make us more susceptible to certain painful back conditions, it is not always accompanied by pain. As a matter of fact, the highest incidence of back pain is typically between the ages of 35 and 55. Regardless of your age, if you are suffering from back pain and your quality of life has been negatively impacted, you should seek a medical advice.

Myth: I WILL BECOME ADDICTED TO PAIN MEDICATIONS!
Fact: Not all types of pain medications cause addiction. Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs, or NSAIDs, are typically recommended for back pain as a first-line treatment option. In some instances of chronic back pain, a patient might require stronger types of pain medications, such as, opioids. With a very well-defined treatment plan and close monitoring, the risks of dependence and addiction from the use of such drugs could be reduced. This type of treatment plan is better-executed under the care of a well-trained pain management specialist.

Myth: MY BACK PAIN WILL ONLY GET BETTER AFTER SURGERY!
Fact: Most cases of back pain will improve and get better without treatment or with conservative management such as NSAIDs, physical therapy and exercise. Surgery should only be considered as a last resort and after all conservative treatments have been exhausted.