Seven Myths About Back Pain

Myth 1:
If you have a slipped disk (also known as a herniated or ruptured disk) you must have surgery. Surgeons agree about exactly who should have surgery.

Fact:

90% of all herniated discs heal without surgery. Surgeons often dis­agree about who should have surgery.

Myth 2:
X-ray and newer imaging tests (CT and MRI scans) can always identify the cause of pain.

Fact:
For 85% of people with back pain, doctors are unable to determine a precise cause of the pain, even with scans and/or x-rays.

Myth 3:
If your back hurts, you should take it easy until the pain goes away.

Fact:
People who stay active after a back injury (even in the face of discomfort) do significantly better than those who stop all activity.

Myth 4:
Back pain is usually disabling.

Fact:
Although the pain can sometimes be severe, it is rarely disabling.

Myth 5:
Most back pain is caused by injuries or heavy lifting.

Fact:
Over half of the people with back pain develop it gradually without a specific injury. Source: Deyo, Richard. Low back pain. Scientific America, August, 1998.

Myth 6:
Everyone with back pain should have a spine x-ray.

Fact:
X-rays rarely help a doctor treat a patient with back pain more effectively. In fact, only one time in 2,500 will an x-ray change a doctor’s treatment decision. Further, undue exposure to x-rays can be harmful.

Myth 7:
Bed rest is the mainstay of therapy.

Fact:
Bed rest causes rapid deconditioning which can make a person more susceptible to developing a chronic problem. Scientific research demonstrates that those who remain at least somewhat active after an injury do better than those who rest in bed.

Learn more at www.dynamicrehab.com