Back pain is an expensive ailment that has reached epidemic proportions over the past several years. And, despite the changes we have seen in our understanding of back pain, there is still little change in the public’s perception of how to treat back pain.
Ask any health care professional, patient, educational institution, or government agency about how to best treat back pain and you’re likely to get as many answers as questions you ask. Bottom line: people still cling to the “old way” of dealing with back pain and this, in and of itself, creates a problem.
Listed here are 7 myths about back pain that the public (not to mention those health care professionals we entrust our care to) need to know.
Myth 1
If you have a slipped disc, you should have immediate surgery. The reality is that surgery can be avoided 90% of the time.
Myth 2
X-ray, MRI, and CT scans can identify the source of pain. The reality is that it is impossible to tell from film alone what the structure causing the problem is.
Myth 3
If your back hurts, you should take it easy until the pain goes away. Not true. You need to stay active.
Myth 4
Back pain is caused by injuries or heavy lifting. Fact is we still don’t know what the exact causes of back pain are.
Myth 5
Back pain is usually disabling. This is simply not the case. Back pain can be managed effectively.
Myth 6
Everyone with back pain should have an x-ray or MRI. This is absolute overkill and totally unnecessary.
Myth 7
Bed rest should be utilized early. LOL! The whole concept of bed rest to treat back pain has been refuted since the 1940’s. Why do we still cling to this most debilitating of notions?
The Erase Your Back Pain program demystifies back pain treatment and utilizes the most up-to-date back pain relief strategies available. Find out more here: No More Back Pain!
I welcome your questions and comments. Let me hear from you by filling out the form below. I promise to personally answer each question or comment.
Dedicated To Erasing Your Back Pain,
Malton A. Schexneider, PT, MMSc
Clinical Specialist
Orthopaedic Physical Therapy
1 comment so far ↓
i used epidural injection during my child’s birth 5yrs ago. since then i have this constant pain in my back and waist. i was told that it is the epidural injection.lately i have noticed i can not stand for more than an hour because i have this terrible pain that starts from by waist down to the bone on my bottom it is really painful. i would like to know what i can do to get rid of the pain or manage it because it is becoming a big problem. your help would be really appreciated and useful.
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