Back Pain Facts and Myths
Back pain is a common complaint among people from all walks of life – male and female, young and old, dynamic and not so active, athletes and office workers, and the list goes on. Chances are, these people have been fed ideas about aching back and it is possible that some facts have been misconstrued as myths and some myths have been mistaken as facts. Here are 3 common facts and 3 common myths about painful back to eradicate confusion once and for all.
Fact: Overweight people are more prone to bad back. Aside from the fact that it greatly subjects the back to unwanted stress, these people tend to be inactive most days of the week. The lack of physical activity weakens the spine, making it more prone to injury.
Myth: The firmer the mattress, the better for the back. A study conducted in Spain showed that people who slept on medium – firm mattresses had less back pain than those who slept on a very firm one. It is good to note, however, that there are other factors contributing to painful back like sleeping positions and habits.
Fact: Regular visits to the chiropractor or a knowledgeable massage therapist relieves back trouble. According to the American College of Physicians and American Pain Society, spinal manipulation by a chiropractor or a knowledgeable massage therapist does wonders for a person suffering from chronic aching back. It is wise t so remember that choosing the right chiropractor and massage therapist is vital for this to work.
Myth: Skinny people do not suffer from back pain. People who are overly thin, suffering from anorexia or any eating disorder may have bone loss, making them more prone to fractures, crushed vertebrae and other spinal injuries.
Fact: Far Infrared Ray heat therapy does wonders for the back. The deep penetrating heat reaches the muscles and bones, maximizing its therapeutic benefits. It improves the circulation of oxygen-rich blood to alleviate the pain and speed up the healing the process. FIR wraps are available for a convenient and hassle-free treatment.
Myth: Sitting up straight prevents aching back. Slouching is detrimental to the back but so is sitting too straight for too long a time. It gives unwanted pressure and strain on the back. For office workers or people who stay seated, it is best to lean back on the chair with both feet firmly planted on the floor and slightly curve the back. Do not stay in one position for too long and walk or stand every now and then.
It is so easy to confuse facts and myths when it comes to back pain. It is best to read about it or consult a doctor before trying different treatments or forming habits in trying to prevent back injuries.
