BACK PAIN MYTHS

Back pain is one of the most common ailments, with four in five people suffering from low back pain at some stage in their lives. Twenty per cent of people have back pain at any one time. Common back pain myths are as following : No pain, No gain Contrary to the thought process of many of those who work out, there is no evidence that supports the notion that you need to feel pain in order to see progress. Resting after a hard workout to repair muscles is important. Try a cross training routine with lighter, more frequent workouts. Always sit up straight Slouching is bad. But sitting up too straight and still for long periods can also be a strain on your back. Take breaks a few times a day. Lean back in your chair with your feet on the floor and let your back curve slightly. Even better. Try standing for part of the day, perhaps while you're on the phone or reading. There is nothing you can do about back pain Of course each case of back pain requires individual solutions. But there are a great number of resources available for any back pain sufferer who chooses to be pro-active and help get rid of the pain and its source. Moderate exercise, back strengthening exercises and other measures can in most cases effectively help you overcome your pain. Being in pain for a longer period of time can take a lot of energy, be stressful, and can have negative effects on your psychological wellbeing and the immune system. The sooner you forget the misconception that back pain is some sort of handicap that you have to accept, the better. Don't lift heavy things It's not necessarily how much you lift, it’s how you do it. Get directly in front of the object. Squat close to it, with your back straight and head up. Stand, using your legs to push up the load and your arms to hold it close to your middle. Don't twist or bend your body, or you may hurt your back. Bed rest is the best cure While it can be useful to rest with an acute back injury, this phase only lasts a few days. It is a good idea to stay moving to ensure your muscles stay strong and don’t stiffen up. You can take it easy for a few days, but lying in bed all day will likely only lengthen the recovery period. By modifying daily activities, you can help decrease your back pain long term. Skinny means pain-free Anyone can get back pain. People, who are too thin, such as those with an eating disorder like anorexia, may have bone loss. They're more likely to get broken bones and crushed vertebrae. Exercise is bad for back pain This is a big one. Regular exercise prevents back pain. And doctors may recommend exercise for people who have recently hurt their lower back. They'll usually start with gentle movements and gradually build up the intensity. Once the immediate pain goes away, an exercise plan can help keep it from coming back.