Spine Care Myths vs. Facts

Back pain is so common it’s often subject to dangerous misconceptions. Let’s clear up some of these myths and get to the facts.

Your spine is probably the most important joint in your body. It’s also one of the most complex. Extending from your neck to your tailbone, your spine consists of 33 vertebrae stacked to form a protective canal for your spinal cord and nerves. Each spinal joint or facet joint is covered by cartilage that permits movement between the vertebrae, while fluid-filled discs cushion the vertebrae. All these vital pieces are held together by ligaments that both keep the spine in position while also allowing you to move and twist your body. So it’s no surprise that if any of these parts are strained or injured in some way, your back will ache — and maybe for quite some time.

One study found that about a third of all adults worldwide suffer from chronic lower back pain, with one-year recurrence rates hitting between 24% to 80%. Because back pain is so common, it’s also subject to myths about its causes and the spine care you need. If you’re dealing with back pain, consult with the spine specialists at New York Bone & Joint for accurate diagnosis and effective care. Meanwhile, here’s a look at five common myths about spinal care — and the truth behind them.

5 myths about spinal care

These five myths are not only false but believing them may prevent you from getting the care you need to lead an active, pain-free life. A spine doctor in New York can give you more accurate information about your specific condition, but in the meantime, here are general misconceptions you should know about.

1. Poor posture is the primary cause of pain

Although poor posture is one of the risk factors for lower back pain, it’s far from the only one. Injuries to the spine, degenerative diseases such as arthritis, a slipped disk, or simply lifting a heavy object can cause back pain. How you set up your workspace can also contribute to back pain. The bottom line: Poor posture does put a strain on your spine, but so do many other activities and conditions, so be wary of dismissing your pain and avoiding further medical evaluation.

If your pain is persistent and begins to affect your daily life, we recommend seeing a spine doctor in New York who will look at all the probable causes of your back pain and offer a holistic approach to treatment.?

2. Rest is the best treatment

When your back is aching, your first instinct may be to stay in bed for days. While rest is essential, most spine doctors in New York and elsewhere advise against prolonged inactivity for back pain. In fact, too much rest only makes the spine and back muscles stiff and more painful. The best treatments for back pain range from pain-reducing medications to gentle stretching exercises under the guidance of a physical therapist.

While heavy lifting and twisting are not recommended, low-impact aerobic exercises like walking, biking, and swimming are good choices. In most cases, the more you move, the quicker your back will heal. But before you jump into a workout routine, consult with your doctor to give you the green light.

3. Back pain only happens to older adults

Not so. The painful fact is that the back can strike at any age. One spinal condition, kyphosis, an abnormal curvature of the spine, is often seen in school-age children. Further, herniated disks show up frequently among 30- to 50-year-olds.?

4. Surgery is the only option

People with back pain may believe surgery is the only option to rid their pain, and for that reason, they may delay treatment. But in reality, surgery is rarely recommended for back pain. Surgery is typically reserved for cases of spinal abnormalities like scoliosis, herniated disks that haven’t responded to conservative treatments, or spinal fractures.

5. Firm mattresses are best for your back

Think the best mattress to reduce back pain is the firmest one? Think again. Before you hit the mattress store, know that research suggests that medium-firm mattresses can significantly reduce discomfort and provide better support for your spine.

The best spine care doctors in New York City

The spine doctors at New York Bone & Joint are experts in their field and can help you find the right therapy for your back pain — and most likely without surgery. As a leading center for sports medicine, we’ve treated thousands of patients with back pain and spinal conditions and got them back on a path to a healthy and active life. Contact us today for a consultation.