The 10 Most Dangerous Myths About Low Back Pain

Myth #1: Since an estimated 80 percent of adults will experience severe low back pain at some point in their lives, it's clear that there's nothing I can do to avoid it.

FACT: False! Learning to bend, lift, walk, and sit correctly can significantly reduce your chances of ever getting low back pain, and dramatically reduce healing time if pain does occur.

Myth #2: X-rays are good at diagnosing where back pain originates, but today's much improved imaging instrumentation, such as computed tomographic (CT) scanning and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) make it possible for doctors to make an even more precise diagnosis for most back pain suffers.

FACT: False! X-rays are dangerous and give little unexpected information. CT scans and MRIs rarely add diagnostic value, and abnormalities are often found in people who are pain free.

Myth #3: Surgery may be painful, expensive and include a long recovery time, but once it's done it's goodbye to back problems once and for all.

FACT: False! A new study shows that after five years, the majority of people with back surgery did no better than those without. However, people who have had low back surgery were much more likely to re-injure their back.

Myth #4: A high quality back brace or corset is an essential aid for those people who do a lot of heavy lifting in their work.

FACT: False! No studies show any benefits from wearing an abdominal belt, but there are several negative effects, including the danger of a false sense of security.

Myth #5: People with slipped disks (aka, ruptured or herniated disk) or degenerative disk disease will have low back pain for the rest of their lives unless they have surgery.

Truth: False! Most back pain goes away by itself within three weeks. Case studies show more than 75 percent of pain free subjects had at least one bulging disk and some disk degeneration.

Myth #6: Managing low back pain with drugs is both an effective and inexpensive alternative to surgery.

FACT: False! Pain relief drugs have lots of negative side effects including new injuries while the pain is artificially disguised.

Myth #7: If your back hurts, the one thing medical science does know is that you need to take it easy, stay off your feet, and get lots of bed rest until the pain subsides.

FACT: False! Extensive studies have shown that those with acute back pain who continue routine activities do better than those who try either bed rest or immediate exercise.

Author Contact Info: Dr. Robert Bourne, MD
http://www.askthelowbackguru.com/