Myths about Back Pain

There are a number of confusions about back pain. Once in a while, there is news about revolutionizing ways to treat back pain or a new book which seems to have all the answers. Unfortunately, the treatments of the spine are not usually straightforward. While some people get relief quickly, most people have to go through a long road to get a correct diagnosis and effective treatment plan.

An essential part of the process is figuring out the misconceptions to get a realistic picture of your situation. A spine surgeon in Los Angeles has compiled a list of most common myths which go around about the back pain and treatment options.

Myth: Back Pain Can Lead to Paralysis if Left Untreated

Reality: The spinal cord starts from the base of the brain, passes throughout the cervical spine (neck) and thoracic spine (upper back) and ends at the lower part of the thoracic spine. While most of the problems in this area are not harmful, spinal cord damage can cause trauma or diseases of the cervical or thoracic spines like a spinal tumor, infection, or an unstable fracture. The spinal cord does not go through the lumbar spine (lower back) and thus provides a large portion for the nerve roots, even critical conditions like disc herniation are unlikely to cause paralysis.

Myth: Back Pain Will Get Worse with Age

Reality: Many patients at an early age (between the thirties or forties) have complaints about back pain and worry that it will get worse with age. However, it is not the case every time, the back pain is more common in younger people of 30 to 50 years old. This is especially true for discogenic pain like herniated or degenerative disc disease. So, if patients can find a way to reduce their pain by certain exercises, the back pain will fade away over time.

Myth: Be Very Careful to Protect Back to Avoid Further Pain

Reality: Many people suffering from back pain often overprotect their backs, and as a result, become more prone to back injury due to lack of conditioning. To stay fit, the spine needs proper stretching and strengthening exercises. A lay-back lifestyle and lack of movement leads to a lack of flexibility and strength in the back and increase the chances of back pain. Without a doctor’s advice to protect your back, you should mainly focus on proper posture, body mechanics, and follow physical therapy instructions to make sure you are exercising correctly.

Myth: Pain Is a Fact Of Life and I Should Just Fight It Out

Reality: Severe, chronic spinal pain should be treated immediately. If the pain is interfering and not letting you go through a day, don’t wait and seek professional help right away. It’s a concept that untreated pain can affect the immune system and slow down the healing process. In the case of back pain or neck pain, ongoing pain can delay the healing process by interfering with exercise and increase the risk of psychological distress.

Dealing with back or neck pain is not a short-term assignment. So you must educate yourself with the correct information. In case of severe pain or spine surgery, Los Angeles patients should reach out to get professional help immediately.

Aaron is changing the way spinal surgery is done. He is one of only five doctors to receive a significant grant from National Institutes of Health (NIH). Consult with the best Spine surgeon los angeles today.