The Truth Behind The Common Misconceptions About Back Pain That You Might Have Believed
Back pain has become an increasing health concern of most people today. The causes could range from an accident, everyday activity done incorrectly, to a health condition, which is why it’s important that you actively work towards preventing back pain. The problem is that there are a lot of misconceptions circulating about back pain that confuses or misleads people when it comes to avoiding and treating it. Even back pain patients hardly know much about it, which frankly, can’t be taken against them since they’re busy trying to deal with the condition and the pain. However, you want to be better informed, patient or not, here are the real deal when it comes to those misconceptions!
Sitting Up Straight Is The Right Way
The Truth: A lot of people underestimate good posture. What they don’t realize is that slouching strains the muscles and puts unnecessary stress to the spine. That’s because it throws off the natural curve of the spine as well as the body’s center of gravity. This then results to back pains. However, this doesn’t mean you should sit stiff straight. Proper sitting posture isn’t like that. It is actually sitting in a way that doesn’t disrupts the natural curve of your backbone. Sit with your head straight, knees slightly lower than your hips, feet flat on the floor, and keep your shoulders back.
If your job requires you to sit for extended period of time, then it will be easier for your body if you invest in an ergonomic chair that supports proper sitting position without your needing to hold your body to maintain it. Because this kind of chairs are designed to do that for you.
When It Comes To A Mattress, The More Firm The Better
The Truth: Generally, the mattress that you should be investing in are those that are firm enough to stop you from sinking into it, but is also soft enough so your hips and shoulder can sink slightly when you sleep on your side. If you’re on the heavier side, look for firmer mattress that can hold you. But if you’re small and lighter a softer one is for you. It doesn’t matter if you choose pocket sprung, memory foam, latex etc. as long as it benefits your size and weight.
Aside from that, ideally, the best position when sleeping would be on your back, as it doesn’t twist your head and neck unnaturally to either side. Plus it allows the spine to rest comfortably. Sleeping is our body’s way to rest and recharge its energy. However, not knowing how to sleep in the right position or using a mattress that is either too saggy or too hard could cause further stress on our body. Avoid sleeping on your stomach and know how many pillows you need and where to put them depending on your sleeping position.
Exercising Makes Your Back Hurt
The Truth: Yes, exercising when you’re already feeling pain seem like a bad idea but it actually what your body need. What you do not realize is that majority of people who suffer from back pain is actually those who sit all day at work. Activities like brisk walking, swimming, and yoga will help strengthen your back muscles which could counter the effects of sedentary lifestyle on your body.
It’s Natural To Have Back Pain When You’re Aging
The Truth: We can’t help aging. No matter how badly you want to stay in your 20’s, you just can’t stop the time from flowing. On the same note, we also experience health issues as we get older. However, you don’t have to just grit and bear the pain because you’re old. Since chiropractors specialize in musculoskeletal issues, when faced with patients with this kind of dilemma, they immediately provide pain relief by correcting subluxation in case that’s what’s causing the pain. Aside from that, they also aim to help their patients achieve not just a healthy spine but also a body at a best possible shape they can be at their age. In order to pursue that, they provide nutritional and health suggestions that work best on their patients too.
Back Pain Can Appear Out Of Nowhere
The Truth: Back pain definitely doesn’t happen out of the blue. You can’t get it because you slept in an odd position or you bent too low. If you did feel a sudden stroke of pain or spasm from those, it may have been the last straw from the accumulation of bad habits that you have been doing. Overdoing a workout, using poor technique while lifting heavy objects, bad posture, and especially weight gain can all put strain on the spine and lead to seemingly “out of nowhere” spasms. Sometimes the issue is more serious, as with disc and joint disorders. So it’s best to consult a spine doctor can help pinpoint the source of your pain.
A Hot Bath May Bring Relief But Not Right Away
The Truth: Sure, a warm bath feels heavenly when your muscles are aching but you have to be careful because there are times when hot temperature could actually make the situation worse. For example, you just got injured. When this happens, you actually ice the affected area for 20 minutes for the first 2 to 3 days because jumping straight to a hot bath could actually make the inflammation worse. Although, if you have chronic pain that doesn’t involve inflammation, warm bath can be a great pain management. If you’re not sure, check it with your doctor before trying hot or cold compress for the pain.
A Doctor May Suggest Surgery For My Back Pain
The Truth: If your chronic pain has gone from tolerable to disabling, it’s time to seek a chiropractor. They provide pain relief, as well as a comprehensive assessment to patients so they could recommend the most suitable treatment depending on the unique condition of the patient.
But the doctor-patient relationship must be a two-way street. Although you rely on your doctor’s “expert” opinion for treatment advice, he depends on you for accurate information on which to base his decisions. It is your responsibility to describe your symptoms as accurately as possible and to report back regarding treatment outcomes, even if unfavorable. You should feel that you can talk to your doctor, that he listens and respects you, and be satisfied that he is working competently and thoroughly on your behalf. You also have a right to change doctors if you are dissatisfied. Therefore, while surgery is one option for those with severe cases of back pain, it doesn’t necessarily mean that it would also be the treatment for you.
Even if you have already consulted your primary health care provider, seeing a chiropractor here in Singapore would also benefit you. Because they may see something that your doctor has missed since chronic pain is usually due to musculoskeletal issues which chiropractors specialize in. Aside from that, do not believe those who are saying that once you visit a chiropractor you’ll have to go forever. You may want to do it regularly because it makes you feel good, not because you have to. Once your problem area has been fully adjusted, you should be fine, though a maintenance visit, like once a month, is good too.
