Fact: Up to 80% of Americans will experience back pain in their lifetime.
This isn't a pretty statistic, but it's one that we still believe can be reversed if the right precautions are taken. Unfortunately, so many people fall for the "quick fix" solutions that are often more expensive and have a high possibility of not solving the problem.
The truth is that there are a lot of myths in regards to back pain, but it's important to know what will really help remedy back pain and what might be egging it on.
3 Back Pain Myths… Busted!
1. A fitness ball is better than a chair at the office.
While sitting on a bouncy ball may seem like it will straighten your spine and strengthen your core, the lack of support you are receiving might be working against you. Not only must you actively and consciously engage your core the entire time that you are sitting, but you must find the perfect fitness ball that will keep your thighs parallel to the floor. Once those core muscles fatigue, your posture is in trouble.
2. Regular massages.
We are very pro-massage therapy here, but there is a caveat to our support. Getting massages all the time without fully assessing the source or cause of the pain can prohibit the body from properly fixing and managing itself. If you are suffering from chronic back pain and stiff muscles and joints, massage therapy is a great idea. Just be clear about what kind of massage you want and drink plenty of water afterward.
3. It's best to rest until the pain goes away.
Lying down can actually prevent the body from healing itself and put you in a worse position than when you started. According to Dr. Jeremy Smith, a spine surgeon out of Orange County, "Bed rest is not recommended, although you should reduce normal physical activities but continue to be as active as possible. Those who stay active recover more quickly."
What other chronic back pain myths have you heard?
Photo Credit: Wikipedia Commons
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