subject: 6 Back Pain Myths Demystified By Back Pain Specialists [print this page] Most of the people who suffer from back pain think it is a part of the aging process, and its something they have to live with. They are of the impression that if they approach a back pain specialist for help, they will only be advised surgery as a treatment option. However this is not true, just like the following back pain myths.
Myth no. 1: Back pain is a sign of aging
This is not true as back pain can affect anyone. While anyone aged from 30 to 60 can suffer from back pain, it usually attacks the middle aged people as they are more active than people were in the past. Sometimes some sports like gymnastics can also lead to younger patients suffering from a back pain because of a herniated disc.
Myth no.2: Back pain occurs only in the lower back
This is not true as back pain can also affect the neck and upper back. There is also a chance of the pain radiating to arms and legs to cause weakness and numbness.
Myth no.3: There is always a cause for back pain
It is not possible to actually designate the exact cause for back pain. There are many factors that can trigger back pain like lifting heavy objects, suffering injuries like sprain or fracture and sometimes even genetics. In fact, more than 50% of people suffering from back pain dont know its trigger or cause.
Myth no.4: The only treatment for back pain is narcotics
Back pain specialists state that there are various treatment options available for back pain besides narcotics. Anti-inflammatory and muscle relaxants can help alleviate the pain while anti-depressants can help controlling nerve related pain.
Even minor interventions like epidural steroid injections, radio-frequency ablation that interrupts pain signals using thermal heat and using a small needle to remove disc material can all help provide relief from back pain.
Myth no. 5: Theres no need of consulting a back pain specialist
Most people who suffer from low-level chronic back pain for years consult a doctor only when they cant bear the pin. This is not advisable as once you suffer from back pain and it does not go away after rest and painkillers, even if you think its nothing serious, you have to consult a back pain specialist.
There is a chance of the pain being a symptom of something serious like cancer. Moreover, its better consulting your doctor instead of the extended use of over-the-counter medications. So consult your doctor if your pain lasts for more than two weeks.
Myth no. 6: Surgery is the only complete cure for back pain
This is not true as surgery will not treat all types of back pain. Sometimes, theres nothing back pain specialists can do as theres either too much to operate on like multiple disc hernias or nothing to operate on.
