10 common myths about spine related ailments, busted
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Neck and back pain is amongst the common reasons why people consult a doctor, second only to the common cold. Spine related ailments are common in adults, especially between 40 and 60 years of age. If the pain is spontaneous (without injury), does not travel down to the legs and is of a short duration (days to weeks), it is likely to settle down with or without a short course of simple pain killers.
If the back or neck pain does not settle down or if it is associated with symptoms of a nerve compression — pain radiating down the legs or arms and tingling, numbness and weakness in the arms or legs — it necessitates a medical consultation. In view of the high prevalence of neck and back pain, there are numerous myths that needs discussion.
1.You should take complete bed rest
For acute sufferers (pain lasting a few days to three weeks) restriction in activities for a few days may help the pain to settle down. However, enforced bed rest for more than one or two days is not recommended. For persons suffering with chronic pain (more than three months), bed rest does not provide long term relief and may actually prolong the chronicity of the pain.
2. Avoid bending forwards
Avoiding bending and other day-to-day activities increases the disability associated with back pain. People having back pain can bend and pick up objects from the floor by bending their knees (half squat).
3. You should sleep on a hard surface
It is advisable to sleep on a comfortable and firm mattress that supports the natural curves of the spine. Using a mattress that is either too soft or too hard will not maintain the normal curvatures of the back.
4. Avoid using a pillow
People who sleep on their sides will most certainly need a pillow to maintain the alignment of the neck. However, a very thick pillow can increase neck pain by twisting the neck in the opposite direction.
5. You should wear a spinal belt/corset
Using a belt for long periods of time can lead to the abdominal and spinal muscles becoming weak which are then unable to provide sufficient support to the spine.
6. Traction is the only treatment
Recent research has shown that traction does not provide any benefit and is without rationale. In addition, traction may also be harmful if the spine is unstable.
7. Pain killers treat back pain
Pain killers are useful to reduce back pain of short duration (less than a few weeks). However, long term use of pain medications has side-effects like gastric (stomach) irritation, stomach ulcers, etc.
8. Exercise is bad for neck and back pain
Recent scientific studies have shown that passive treatments (where the therapist does all the work) like massage and electro-therapy, (TENS, ultrasound massage, Interferential Therapy (IFT) and Short-Wave Diathermy (SWD)] are not effective.
( Source : dc )
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