Back Pain Myths Busted
It’s important to know the facts
There are many misconceptions involving back pain being serious. In fact, there are superstitions passed down for generations. People searching the internet also cause false information to circulate. Do you have back pain? Learn what is a back pain myth vs. the truth. It’s a good thing to know. Seeking treatment immediately can also be life-changing. In fact, you can prevent serious damage to tissues.
Myth #1: Lower Back Pain Signals Pregnancy
Truth: Back pain can occur during the late stages of pregnancy. The number of women that get back pain early is small. Lower back pain is not a telltale sign of pregnancy. You can consider it a possibility if there are other symptoms too. Missed period, fatigue, morning sickness, and headache for example.
Also, see: How Pregnancy-Related Changes Impact Your Spine
Myth #2: Gas Causes Back Pain
Truth: Gas and bloating can cause discomfort in the upper body. Often there is a tightness in the chest. And sometimes sharp pain. However, pain in the back isn’t always linked to bloating. Although some people refer to abdominal pain in the back. But, this is rare.
It is possible to have gas bubbles in the spinal fluid. This can cause back pain. However, it is not related to abdominal gas in any way. These bubbles can move depending on your posture. Therefore, causing pressure to spinal tissues and pain.
Myth #3: Sitting Causes Back Pain
Truth: Sitting is an active process. The spine, hips, and pelvis are all engaged. Sitting in an ergonomic position alleviates stress to the joints. For pain prevention following these steps:
- Sit up straight
- Shoulders should be rolled back
- Shoulder blades are down
- Legs hip-distance apart
- Both feet flat on the floor
- Use a small pillow to support the lower back (and the natural curve in the spine).
- Take breaks frequently to walk around or stretch
- Use sit-to-stand desks if working for long periods of time
Doing this keeps your back supported. It also stimulates proper blood flow to the tissues. Stability balls can also help the body to stay dynamic. This reduces the risk of back pain.
Poor posture can contribute to back pain. Slouching and hunching over strains abdominal muscles. This also reduces blood supply which weakens back muscles. Pressure on spinal discs can also increase. Over time, this can cause disc herniation or sciatica.
Also, see: 8 Tips to Improve Posture
Myth #4: Constipation Does Not Cause Back Pain
Truth: Constipation does not directly affect your back. However, the changes to bowel movement can disrupt other parts of the body. This can cause back pain. An unbalanced microbiome from constipation can increase pain perception. However, if you’re inactive, then constipation is common. Both of these can increase pain. In fact, women are 2 to 3 times more likely to become constipated than men.
Myth #5: Stress Does Not Affect Back Pain
Truth: Stress is an emotional response. But, it can affect physiological behaviors. As a matter of fact, perception of back pain can be elevated as a result. Depression and anxiety are both common with lower back pain. Studies indicate that stressful circumstances are linked to back pains. Psychological treatment is the first step to reduce stress. Then, you can treat backaches medically.
Myth #6: Back Pain Is Not Related To Kidneys
Truth: Certain kidney issues can cause back pain. However, pain is severe in some cases. Kidney stones and kidney infection are two examples. Pain can be moderate or severe. So, this may warrant a trip to the ER. Symptoms occur on the left and/or right side. Pain is typically a dull ache or stabbing pain.
Renal cell carcinoma is also associated with back pain. This is a more serious condition. This is cancer that can spread. The pain is similar to that of sciatica symptoms. The pain usually worsens at night.
In Conclusion
There are many reasons that you may be experiencing pain. However, there are also many back pain myths. Be sure to get to the bottom of your pain.
If you are looking for a top spine specialist call us immediately at 888-409-8006. Our offices are conveniently located throughout South Florida.