Lower Back Pain and Myths

8 out of 10 people in some parts of their lifetime experience back pain. Problem of lower back pain is there since long but the remedy is not that simple and straight forward. Some people with proper medication and exercise may find solution and get rid of it quite quickly where as for some it is long and winding road to getting an accurate diagnosis and an effective treatment. There is lot of misconception attached to back pain and one with the problem should know what is right for him. Don't get confused with the misleading information to confuse the situation. Lets have a look at some of the common myths attached to back pain:

• Back pain leads to paralysis
  The spinal cord starts from the base of the brain goes through the neck and upper back and ends at the upper part of the lower back. Lumber spine has no spinal cord and has a large space for the nerve roots so its in unlikely that a back pain could cause a paralysis even in serious conditions.
• Back pain occurs at old age
  Back pain is more common in younger people between 30-50 then in old ones. This is generally true for discogenic pain such as pain that occurs due to slipped disc or degenerative disc disease.
• Spine could be easily injured
  The spine is designed uniquely and has a robust structure. Surrounding muscles, tendons and ligaments provides strength, flexibility and support for the spine.
• Physically active people don't suffer from back pain
  It is true that active and well-conditioned people are less prone to back pain then sedentary individuals. However, back pain could affect all people regardless of their level of activities. Sports such as gymnastics, golf, cricket, and tennis are more likely to cause back pain.
• Lower back pain is related to weakness of bone
  Lower back pain is not related to the weakness of the bone and it may happen to the individuals with strong bones.
• Diet affects lower back pain
  No, type of food does not have any direct relation with lower back pain.
• Sleep on floor of or hard bed if you have lower back pain
  Sleeping on floor or hard bed is in fact harmful for lower back pain. You must be comfortable in your sleep. A normal bed with a firm cotton mattress is enough.

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Back Pain Facts?

There are several causes of back pain: mechanical causes, eg lumbar disc disorders; degenerative conditions, eg degenerative disc disease; inflammatory conditions, eg ankylosing spondylitis; infective causes, eg osteomyelitis; neoplastic causes, eg primary benign or malignant tumours; metabolic bone disease, eg osteoporosis; referred pain, eg from duodenal ulcer; psychogenic pain - originating in the mind rather than the body.

Back pain is one of humanity's most frequent complaints and does not usually reflect any underlying disease. However, anyone with back pain that does not improve after a few days should first consult a Physician, as back pain can sometimes indicate significant and serious conditions which might not otherwise be diagnosed. Back pain is very rarely a sign of a serious medical problem. It is however important that the treatable medical causes are identified early on.

Back pain affects 50 to 80 percent of people in the U.S. at some point in their lives. In any given year, 10 percent of adults experience back pain or other symptoms, such as limited mobility or stiffness. Each year, Americans spend an estimated $24 billion on treatments for back pain - not including missed time from work nor the emotional costs of enduring pain and not being able to participate in daily activities. Imagine what it would be like to have problems working, golfing or enjoying playtime with children!

Back pain can be mildly uncomfortable, excruciating or anywhere in between. It can start slowly, sometimes a result of poor posture, or come on suddenly because of injury. If your question is not answered here, please contact one of our information specialists. Back pain can last for a few short days or can linger for weeks, months and even years. Arthritis is a common form of back pain. The earlier arthritis is diagnosed, the more steps can be taken to reduce disability in the future. Other factors that aggravate back pain include suffering from stress, not getting enough sleep, being overweight, having poor posture or not being physically fit.

Back pain should not be considered a normal part of aging; it is a chronic condition that calls for similar lifestyle changes as diseases like arthritis and diabetes do.