Debunking the Most Common Back Pain Myths That Exist Today

Did you know that 8 in 10 people suffer from some form of back pain during their lives? Back pain can range from a sharp, sudden pain to a constant, dull ache. Sometimes back pain will go away on its own, and in other scenarios, it requires more serious intervention.  A lot of back pain issues can be difficult to diagnose. The treatment options are wide and come with their own set of benefits and risks. There are a variety of back pain myths that lead to misunderstandings about how to cope with this health condition. Of course, contact a back pain doctor in Rochester, NY, if your back pain is too severe. They will help you with anything you need.

Myth: Back Pain Is Always a Result of an Injury

Most back pain problems develop over a period of time. They’re often caused by normal wear and tear from an unsupported posture or repetitive trauma. 

On the flip side, a back injury can be associated with a one-time event, like an injury. Back injuries can be caused by:

• Falling down the stairs
• Sports events
• Vehicle collisions
• Lifting something incorrectly

The chance of developing chronic back pain from an injury is higher in those who have an underlying condition or poorly conditioned tissues. For example, a bulging disc in someone’s back might herniate, resulting in their symptoms worsening. If you’re experiencing back pain issues after trauma, you should get evaluated by a member of the healthcare industry. 

Myth: Back Pain Causes Paralysis

Your body’s spinal structures are resilient and strong. They have excellent healing capabilities when they receive the proper treatment. 

Most of the time when we have back pain, it’s from problems or damage to our soft and bony tissues. To become paralyzed, the spinal cord or another part of the inner structure of your spine needs to get damaged. It has to be affected to a degree that the motor signals are lost or decreased. 

This is a rare occurrence because the inner portions of your spine are well protected. Even if your spinal cord does get affected, getting your injury treated quickly can help decompress and relieve these issues. Treating your injury can prevent long-term health issues, like paralysis. 

Myth: Severe Back Pain Is a Major Problem

When you’re experiencing discomfort in your low back, your symptoms can range from mild to very severe. Your symptoms could indicate you have an overstretched ligament, pulled muscle, or a more serious issue. 

The severity and nature of side effects range from one person to the next. A pulled muscle could cause extreme pain in a person, resulting in them heading into the emergency room. 

However, a herniated disc that’s close to a spinal nerve could result in no symptoms. Just because you’re experiencing a lot of pain doesn’t mean you have a major problem occurring. 

Common Back Pain Myths Debunked

Back pain can be a scary thing but you shouldn’t believe everything you hear about it. Talk to your healthcare professional about common back pain myths and a treatment plan if you’re suffering from pain or discomfort. 

To learn more about how to stay in optimal health, check out one of our other articles.