“Low back pain is characterized by discomfort or pain in the lower area of the spine, more specifically in the lumbar vertebrae. The lumbar region is made up of five vertebrae in the bottom section of the spine that are labeled L1 through L5. Low back pain is a common condition that can range in severity from mild to severe. It might be acute (short-term) or chronic (lasting a long time)” Dr Hitesh Garg Says…
Before any myth and facts, lets see some statistics,
1. Low back pain (LBP) is the top cause of disability in the world, and it is the condition for which the highest number of people may benefit from rehabilitation.
2. Low back pain (LBP) impacted 619 million people worldwide in 2020, and the number of cases is expected to rise to 843 million by 2050, owing mostly to population growth and aging.
3. The prevalence increases with age up to 80 years, with the greatest number of LBP cases occurring between the ages of 50 and 55. Women are more likely to suffer from LBP.
Low back pain is a common ailment that can be influenced by a variety of causes. There are various myths surrounding low back pain that must be debunked in order to gain a better knowledge of the issue.
Here are eight typical low back pain myths & facts:
Myth: Rest is the best treatment for low back pain.
Fact: According to Dr. Hitesh, during the acute phase of low back pain, short-term bed rest may be required; long-term bed rest is generally not recommended. A moderate degree of activity is often more beneficial for healing.
Myth: Exercise will make low back pain worse.
Fact: Moderate exercise on a regular basis can help strengthen the muscles that support the spine, increase body flexibility, and lower the risk of future back discomfort. Exercises advised by your orthopedic doctor or Physiotherapist might be beneficial.
Myth: Only older adults experience low back pain.
Fact: Dr Hitesh Says People of all ages, including child and young adults, can suffer from low back discomfort. Poor posture, sedentary lifestyle, and muscle imbalances can all lead to back discomfort in young people.
Myth: If you have low back pain, you should avoid all physical activities.
Fact: Staying active is beneficial to general health, and many people suffering with low back pain might benefit from low-impact activities such as walking, swimming, or cycling. It’s critical to discover hobbies that don’t make the pain worse.
Myth: X-rays and imaging are always necessary to diagnose the cause of low back pain.
Fact: A detailed medical history and physical examination can often be used to identify low back pain. Imaging studies are usually reserved for cases where there are indications of a more serious underlying problem.
Myth: Surgery is the only solution for chronic low back pain.
Fact: Surgery is typically considered a last option for chronic low back pain that has not responded to non-surgical therapy. Non-surgical therapies such as physical therapy, medicines, and lifestyle changes help many people achieve relief.
Myth: Poor posture is the primary cause of low back pain.
Fact: While poor posture can contribute to low back discomfort, it is frequently only one of several reasons. Other variables that contribute to the development of back discomfort include muscle weakness, obesity, and poor lifting practices.
Myth: All back pain is the same.
Fact: Low back discomfort can be caused by a variety of disorders, including muscular strains, disc herniation, spinal stenosis, and others. The appropriate treatment is dependent on determining the particular source of the pain through a thorough evaluation.
It’s important to consult with an experienced Orthopedic Spine surgeon in India for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment management of low back pain.
Sources:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37273833/
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/low-back-pain