What're the 5 Deadly Myths about Back Pain & 5 Effective ways to
Levitate the Pain?
Let's begin by learning some facts in order to separate truth
from myth with regards to back pain. First of all, under one
percent of acute lower back pain is the result of a serious
infection or condition like cancer or a spinal injury. For those
under 50, the rate is even lower.
Back pain is the number one disability for those under age 45.
And it runs second, after the common cold, as the top reason for
visiting a healthcare provider in the United States.
Myth 1:
"There is nothing really wrong with you." Myth! Chronic pain
sufferers report that doctors generally tell this to about 90
percent of them and it is incorrect. In reality, the majority of
low back pain cases or some 90 percent generally come from an
unknown cause, like an infection or a particular injury. And the
duration of the pain runs generally from four to six weeks.
Myth 2:
"People don't die from chronic back pain." Wrong! The pain
combined with depression and anxiety in long-term cases places
sufferers at risk for suicide, which does happen from time to
time.
Myth 3:
"Most back pain requires surgery." Myth! On the contrary, under
two percent of patients with back pain need surgery. However,
back pain is the third top reason for surgery.
Myth 4:
"Only a small percentage of workers suffer back pain on the job.
" Wrong! The top occupational hazard in the USA is back pain.
Myth 5:
"Lie down and rest for back pain." Au contraire. Contrary to
popular believe, bed rest can hinder recovery. Health care
providers recommend remaining active to decrease down time for
patients.
"Men suffer back pain more than women." Not! With regards to
gender issues and back pain, it is a myth that men suffer back
pain more than women. In reality, the only main difference is
with secondary pain to disk disorders during middle age. However,
with regards to race, low back pain is reported more frequently
among Caucasians than other races including African Americans.
Myth 6:
"If a patient's pain description lacks a regular, consistent
pattern, it's probably imagined or exaggerated." Myth! No two
people, no two cases are totally 100 percent identical.
Activities, events, pain and people themselves vary from day to
day and there is no 100 percent correct way to describe pain in
words to fit a perfectly accurate diagnosis.
Myth 7:
What you can do to prevent back pain and injuries and, if you do
sustain them, what can be done to promote the healing process?
Though the focus here is on what can be done on an individual
basis, it must always be remembered that there is no replacement
for consultation with a qualified physician. 80 percent of the
adult population suffers from back pain at some point in their
lives, so, whether it's you of somebody you care for, it is
useful to have some techniques at hand for treating it.
The Solutions:
The good news about back pain is that is usually goes away on
its own over time. The vast majority of it comes from simply
straining muscles and joints at levels they are not designed to
withstand, which leads into the first recommendation:
Over-The-Counter-Medications. In response to an injury a body
part may become inflamed, which you will know by the signs of
swelling, pain, warmth, and redness. To achieve a measure of
pain relief and assist the healing process you can buy over-the-
counter anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen.
Acetominophen is another alternative. Though not an anti-
inflammatory drug, it does treat pain effectively and is easier
on the stomach.
1) Ice and Heat. During the first 48 hours after a back injury
ice slows down the swelling process and acts to reduce the pain.
After 48 hours, however, it loses these abilities. This is when
your switch to heat, as in the form of a heating pad. This
increases the blood flow to recovering tissue and relaxes the
muscles.
2) Massage. Be it done by a friend or family member with a nice
touch or a professional, a massage can relax strained muscles
and, just as importantly, a strained psyche that is causing back
muscles to tense up.
3) Keep Moving. When we are hurt instinct tells us to lay low
and keep movement to a minimum. Indeed, the traditional
approach to treating back pain used to tell us exactly that.
More recent studies, however, have shown that careful movement
does a better job of promoting recovery than remaining still.
Much can be accomplished with simple exercises - provided you
have consulted with a specialist who can dispense advice and
instructions on what is best for you.
4) Change Your Routine. Though movement can help in the
recovery from a back injury, it is also important during this
period to avoid things that result in putting too much stress,
be it physical or psychological, on your healing back. Whether
it is in improving your posture in a chair, not lifting heavy
objects, or avoiding things that cause you aggravation, adapt
your daily routine to the requirements of your recovering back.
Otherwise, there is a pronounced risk of re-injury, a longer
than necessary recovery period, or an injury that does not heal
properly and is vulnerable to further damage.
5) Pain Management. For persistent or long lasting pain, refer
to the chapter on chronic pain for additional strategies.
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DISCLAIMER: Note that the contents here are not presented from a medical practitioner, and that any and all health care planning should be made under the guidance of your own medical and health practitioners. The content within only presents an overview based upon research for educational purposes and does not replace medical advice from a practicing physician. Further, the information in this manual is provided "as is" and without warranties of any kind either express or implied.
Under no circumstances, including, but not limited to, negligence, shall the seller/distributor of this information be liable for any special or consequential damages that result from the use of, or the inability to use, the information presented here. Thank you.
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