But do you have the right facts about back pain?
Low back pain (LBP) is the leading cause of disability worldwide and the most common complaint treated by chiropractors. The lifetime prevalence of low back pain has been estimated as high as 84%! Musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions, like back pain, are disorders affecting the muscles, bones and joints. Every year in Ontario, MSK conditions cost taxpayers over 2 billion dollars. Because it’s so common, you may have heard many theories about what causes back pain and how to fix it. Keep reading to find out more about LBP and back pain myths.
Back pain is one of the most common reasons prompting patients to seek medical attention. There are many treatment options for those suffering from back pain, which include: chiropractic, physiotherapy, massage therapy, exercise, and acupuncture. Most people experience low back pain at some point in their lives.
Myth #1: When back pain strikes, rest is best
In the first few days after an initial injury, avoiding aggravating activities may help to relieve pain. A short period of bed rest (1-2 days) may help reduce acute back pain in some cases, but it is not the solution. There is very strong evidence that keeping active and gradually returning to regular daily activities (including work and exercise) is important for full recovery. In contrast, evidence stated that prolonged bed rest is unhelpful. Bedrest is associated with higher levels of pain, poorer prognosis, greater disability, longer recovery and longer absence from work.
Myth #2: If I’m in a lot of pain, there must be a lot of damage
Pain is a sensation that acts as a warning system for your brain. Many things can cause that warning system to go off. MSK experts, like your chiropractor, can help you figure out if your pain is related to your joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments or nerves. It’s important to remember that intense pain doesn’t necessarily mean that there is significant damage.
Myth #3: A good night’s sleep will get rid of my pain
When someone has pain, a good night’s sleep can be hard to get. Most people don’t realize that problems sleeping can be a factor associated with low back pain. In the same way that poor sleep can increase our stress levels, cause our immune system to be compromised, feel run down and cranky, it can also cause or prolong back pain. Good bedtime routines and proper sleep hygiene can be very helpful in reducing pain.
Myth #4: Heat will help soothe the pain
Most people believe that a hot bath reduces back pain. The reality is that even though it may sound soothing, getting into a hot bath when muscles are inflamed can make matters worse by increasing the inflammatory response in an acute injury. Use ice, not heat, to soothe a new episode of back pain. In the case of back injury, the inflammation may not be visible the way swelling of a sprained ankle might be. A good rule is to remember the word inflammation includes the word “flame” because where there is heat; there is inflammation and pain. It is better to apply ice to an injury for 15 to 20-minute intervals, during the first 48 to 72 hours after the injury.
Myth #5: I should avoid exercise if I have a history of low back pain.
Exercise is good for your body and one of the best ways to safeguard against back pain. Many people with pain are afraid of exercise and avoid it out of fear they will make things worse. Most of the time this belief is not true. Regular exercise helps to keep your body fit and healthy and reduces pain and discomfort. It relaxes muscle tension, helps mood and strengthens the immune system once started gradually. Your chiropractor has the proper training in assessing and treating low back pain and can provide the proper exercises to get you stronger safely while decreasing your risk of future injury.
Myth #6: Stress and emotions are not related to my back pain
Back pain can be triggered following changes in life stress, mood or anxiety levels. In the same way, stress is linked to other health conditions like cold sores, irritable bowel syndrome and fatigue. Your emotional health can impact your back health too. Stress and anxiety can cause physical changes in the body, which can add mechanical stress to the spine, joints and muscles. Stress can negatively impact people’s activity levels and lead to increased sedentary behaviour. Regular physical activity keeps the spine mobile and less receptive to general aches and pains. Lastly, how we feel can influence the amount of pain we feel. Those with anxiety tend to experience physical sensations more than those without anxiety. So mild back pain could feel more severe and be harder to ignore.
Myth #7: Medication is the most effective way to treat back pain.
Canada is the second largest consumer of opioids in the world, with LBP and MSK conditions as key drivers in our country’s current opioid crisis. Despite better options in treating MSK pain, over 5 million Canadians turn to potentially harmful opioids and painkillers as a first step to managing their frustrating daily muscle and joint pain. If ignored or treated improperly, there is the risk of pain becoming chronic. Clinical practice guidelines regarding the effective treatment of low back pain in Canada and the United States highlight the role chiropractic can play in the burden of low back pain. These guidelines emphasize conservative treatment and first-line therapy for back pain should incorporate non-drug therapies such as spinal manipulation and strongly discourage the use of opioids. As experts in MSK health, evidence suggests chiropractors can help Canadians better manage their MSK pain while also reducing the use of unnecessary painkillers.
Back pain is a complex problem. It is a significant contributing factor to long-term disability, absence from work and a large economic burden to Canadians. If back pain is keeping you from going about your day-to-day and active living, consider chiropractic. Most people seeking our services can see a chiropractor for a consultation and assessment on the same day or the day after.
A healthy spine contributes to a pain-free, active and healthy lifestyle. If you have questions about low back pain, schedule an appointment to get answers to your nagging back problem. Visit us online or call the CURAVITA Byward Clinic at 613-860-8600 or the CURAVITA Glebe Clinic at 613-237-9000 to book an appointment with any of our healthcare providers.
