The
Truth About Back Pain
It might be a sharp stab. It might be a dull ache. Sooner or later, eight out of 10 of us will have back pain. Back pain is common -- and so are back pain myths.
Myth: Always Sit Up Straight
Okay, slouching is bad for
your back. But sitting up too straight and still for long periods can also be a
strain on the back. If you sit a lot, try this a few times a day: Lean back in
your chair with your feet on the floor and a slight curve in your back. Even better:
Try standing for part of the day, while on the phone or while reading work
materials.
Myth: Don't Lift Heavy Objects
It's not necessarily how much
you lift, it's how you lift. Of course you shouldn't lift anything that might
be too heavy for you. When you lift, squat close to the object with your back
straight and head up. Stand, using your legs to lift the load. Do not twist or
bend your body while lifting or you may hurt your back.
Myth: Bed Rest Is the Best Cure
Yes, resting can help an
acute injury or strain that causes back pain. But it's a myth that you should
stay in bed. A day or two in bed can make your back pain worse.
Myth: Pain Is Caused by Injury
Disc degeneration, injuries,
diseases, inherited conditions and even muskeletol imbalances can cause back
pain.
Fact: More Pounds, More Pain
Staying fit helps prevent
back pain. Back pain is most common among people who are out of shape,
especially weekend warriors who engage in vigorous activity after sitting
around all week. And as you might guess, obesity stresses the back.
Myth: Skinny Means Pain-Free
Anyone can get back pain. In
fact, people who are too thin, such as those suffering from anorexia, an eating
disorder, may suffer bone loss resulting in fractured or crushed vertebrae.
Myth: Exercise Is Bad for Back Pain
A big myth. Regular exercise
prevents back pain. And for people suffering an acute injury resulting in lower
back pain, doctors may recommend an exercise program that begins with gentle
exercises and gradually increases in intensity. Once the acute pain subsides,
an exercise regimen may help prevent future recurrence of back pain.
Myth: Firmer Mattresses Are Better
A Spanish study of people
with longstanding, non-specific back pain showed that those who slept on a
medium-firm mattress -- rated 5.6 on a 10-point hard-to-soft scale -- had less
back pain and disability than those who slept on a firm mattress (2.3 on the
scale) mattress. However, depending on their sleep habits and the cause of
their back pain, different people may need different mattresses.
Fact: Corrective Therapy
Fitworks Correct Therapy is a natural, risk-free solution to back pain. The Fitworks technique is not just a pain management program, it's a pain elimination program, designed to improve posture, increase flexibility and loosen muscle tissue, resulting in overall superior health. Even the severest of muscular or skeletal problems can have immediate relief, such as: bulging or herniated disc; neck, back, hip, knee, or ankle pain; scoliosis; kyphosis; lordosis These painful conditions and more can be treated and have relief within weeks of training therapy, rather than with pain medications, body braces and surgery. After working with hundreds of patients, Fitworks continues to be a safe, effective and long-lasting solution to neck, back, joint and muscle pain across the spectrum.
Information gathered from http://www.medicinenet.com
Gary
Rumel, Corrective Therapist
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