True or False? Back Pain – The Biggest Misconceptions

Don't believe everything you hear about back pain. Especially the part that tells you that you absolutely have to accept it!

Back pain, like any other illness, is particularly unpleasant. It most often appears as a sharp pain in the back, and as many as 8 to 10 people experience it during their lifetime.

If you are already familiar with this type of pain, you have probably researched and asked about the causes or treatments for it, and in doing so, you have probably also encountered numerous myths and misconceptions.

Below we are revealing the most common myths related to back pain...

If I don't want my back to hurt, I have to sit properly

The truth: Crouching while sitting can cause strain on the back muscles, resulting in spasm (cramp) and pain, and this is not in doubt. However, even if you stand perfectly correctly (straight), but for a longer period of time, you will have more or less the same problem.

Simply sitting a little longer puts more strain on the lower back than standing or walking. For the creation of back pain, the duration is more important than the way of sitting.

Tip: If you do work that requires you to sit for a long time, occasionally get up and walk around.

If I lift a heavy load, I will get injured and have back pain

The truth: It's not the weight that matters, but how you carry the weight. In the bent position (with the chest down), the lower back takes the greatest load, especially if lifting a heavier load.

Tip: Always lift the load from a sitting or almost sitting position, until your back is straight, with your feet completely resting on the ground and without "twisting" or bending your body.

I have to stay in bed until my back hurts

The truth: Stretching can only be done in the period up to 48 hours after the onset of pain. After that, rest makes no sense, and can be counterproductive because it leads to depression, increases the chance of blood clots in the legs, weakens muscle strength, and actually prolongs the recovery period.

Tip: Get out of bed and move, carefully, as much as the pain allows.

My back hurts only because of some injury

The truth: Injury as a cause of back pain occurs only in a smaller number of cases. In fact, the reasons for the creation of this pain can be different: disc degeneration, disc herniation, infections...

Tip: Live a healthy life and engage in some physical activity regularly.

If I'm skinny, my back won't hurt

The truth: Back pain is more or less the same for all people of any body type. It is noted that overweight people are slightly more prone to back pain, but this is primarily due to the fact that heavier people are usually in weaker physical condition.

Tip: Walk regularly and engage in some physical activity.

If I exercise in the gym or play any sport, my back will hurt

The truth: Taking regular, moderate and fair physical activities does not increase the chance of developing back pain. On the contrary, exercise and good physical condition are good preventive measures against back pain.

Tip: When choosing the activity or exercises in the gym, insist on a straight, anatomical position of the back. The gym can only be a problem if you lift weights until your back is out of alignment. If you do not have experience, it is mandatory to consult the trainer or the staff at the gym. /Telegraph/