If you’re over 40 and have back pain, chances are you’ve heard it all before. From friends and family to doctors, everyone has an opinion about back pain and how best to treat it. Unfortunately, many of these opinions are outdated myths that could actually be making your back pain worse.
Here are some of the most common back pain myths our patients have been told which has actually made their back pain and sciatica much worse, and delayed their recovery from injuries.
MYTH #1 - Back Pain is a Family Trait
One of the biggest myths about back pain heard frequently in the clinic is that it's a family trait. People often claim, "my mum had back pain, my father had back pain, so it's natural for me to have back pain." This belief is not supported by evidence because individuals are inherently unique. Parents do not genetically predispose their children to back pain. Back pain is typically caused by structural issues within the body that are not functioning optimally. At Gav Noble Physiotherapy, the team can help individuals overcome these issues and return to the life they want to live. cassion help back pain go away, but it won’t fix the problem long-term. In nearly all cases, it will come back again, and often gets worse the more time passes.
That’s why you need to get expert help to address the root cause of your back pain, so you aren’t trapped continually treating the symptoms.
MYTH #2 - Rest Is Best For Back Pain
Another myth perpetuated is the advice to stay in bed and rest when experiencing back pain. This recommendation is entirely incorrect. Extended periods of rest can result in muscle atrophy and stiffness, which may worsen back pain and decrease mobility. Movement, on the other hand, promotes circulation, aiding in the delivery of nutrients to tissues and the removal of waste products. Research indicates that movement is beneficial for alleviating back pain. The clinic employs specialist therapists who offer expert guidance on appropriate movement strategies. Seeking guidance from a qualified physio is crucial for initial relief from back pain.
MYTH #3 -Back Pain is a Natural Part of Aging
Another myth is that back pain is just a part of getting old. This is not true. Our bodies are not meant to have back pain. Back pain is a symptom, and if we treat the symptom and its cause, we can alleviate the pain. The team at Gav Noble Physiotherapy never accept that getting old means there is an inevitability that you will have back pain because they can help by getting you moving and freeing up joints, muscle tissue, and soft tissue.
The idea that back pain is an inevitable part of aging is a misconception that can prevent many people from seeking effective treatment. While it's true that the body undergoes changes as we age, these changes do not necessarily have to result in chronic pain. Back pain is often the result of specific issues that can be addressed, regardless of age.
Maintaining an active lifestyle is crucial for preventing and managing back pain as we age. Regular physical activity helps keep the muscles strong and flexible, supports healthy joint function, and promotes overall well-being. The team can provide guidance on safe and effective exercises that accommodate individual fitness levels and medical conditions.
MYTH #4 - Severe Pain Equals Severe Damage
A fourth and final common myth the team encounter regularly is that severe pain means severe damage to the body. This is not necessarily true. Sometimes our nerves become very sensitive, so even the lightest touch can cause excruciating pain. Severe pain doesn't always mean there is significant damage. For example, a paper cut can be very sore, but the actual damage is minimal. Similarly, back pain can be intense, but it doesn't always mean there's significant damage.
The perception of pain is influenced by various factors, including psychological and neurological components. When nerves become hypersensitive, they can send exaggerated pain signals to the brain, even if the physical damage is minor. This phenomenon is known as central sensitisation. It means that the nervous system has become more reactive to stimuli that wouldn't normally cause pain or would cause only mild discomfort.
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