Research on back pain has progressed significantly over the past decade, and a number of assumptions about this condition have now been debunked. Read on to learn about three interesting facts you probably don't know regarding back pain.
1. Bad posture doesn't always correlate with back pain
Although posture is important when doing certain activities like weight training or impact sports, it is not necessary to keep your back upright at all times. You should not be afraid of bending your back when sitting or doing daily activities since movement avoidance can lead to increase pain sensitivity. Instead of stressing out on keeping your back straight when sitting, try to focus on taking hourly breaks to get up from your chair and stretch since prolonged stationary positions can make your pain worse.
2. Too much rest is bad for your back
Taking things slowly is advisable when having acute back pain. However, too much rest can lead to increased stiffness and sensitivity in your back, making your recovery longer. Try to stay as active as you can while having back pain. A physiotherapist can guide you through an exercise program to regain strength and flexibility.
3. You rarely need an x-ray or MRI scan for your back
X-ray and MRI are great diagnostic tools that can detect any abnormalities inside the body. However, most changes seen on MRI are normal signs of aging and they do not indicate the need for surgery. Unless you have signs and symptoms that might indicate a sinister condition, you probably do not require imaging. Visit a doctor or physiotherapist to be advised on whether you need any special tests to rule out serious pathologies.
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