8 Myths About Your Back — Busted
There’s a lot of misinformation about back problems so let a Cleveland Clinic expert set the record straight.
Back pain is a fairly common problem. Unfortunately, so are pervasive myths on the subject.
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Misinformation about back problems abounds. How many times have you heard that exercise can hurt your back? Or that if you consult a spine surgeon about pain, you’re sure to wind up in surgery?
If you have back pain, it’s important to get the facts straight from the experts. We talked with spine health expert Phillip Mendis, DO, to dispel eight of the most common myths.
Fact: Anyone who’s ever been to the gym knows that it’s possible to hurt your back — and other parts of your body — if you’re careless, like not stretching properly or lifting too much weight. But if you’re careful and follow instructions from a physical trainer, there’s no reason to wind up hurt after a trip to the gym.
Additionally, with professional guidance under a licensed physical therapist, exercise can help your back by strengthening the muscles that support your spine. A strong, well-conditioned back can withstand more stress and stabilize the spine better. In some instances, a spine-certified physical therapist can find a few simple exercises that will help relieve the pressure from a bulged disk to help with healing, Dr. Mendis says.
Fact: The intervertebral disks, located between the vertebral bodies of your spine, act to cushion the spine against stress. These disks may rupture, or herniate, if the outer layer of the disk weakens. The jelly-like center of the disk leaks, irritating the nearby nerves and causing back and leg pain. More than 90% of herniated disks get better on their own with short rest or with treatment, such as physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications or spine injections, Dr. Mendis says.
Fact: Not necessarily. Many spine surgeons often find themselves trying to talk patients out of back surgery, Dr. Mendis says. While there are a few spine conditions that require surgery, the vast majority of back problems are resolved without surgery. Surgery may be appropriate for select people who have exhausted conservative options. It all depends on your unique medical condition.
Fact: Bulging disks are a normal part of aging, Dr. Mendis says. Our disks are like car tires that gradually lose air and wear down. This is why we may become shorter as we age. However, unlike car tires, an aged disk does not have to be replaced. Also, this problem causes pain in only a fraction of patients.
Fact: MRI uses a magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed images of the organs and tissues within your body. These scans can demonstrate annular tears, herniated disks and nerve compression. MRI scans do not show weak muscles or many other disorders that contribute to back pain. As mentioned earlier, MRI also will show the normal, age-related wear and tear that may be misleading as to the source of back pain sometimes. This is why a thorough physical exam is the most important source of information about the causes of your back pain, Dr. Mendis says.
Fact: It seems counterintuitive, but the best thing for your back is gentle exercise, Dr. Mendis says. Walking, for example, gets you out of a sitting posture and into a more neutral, upright alignment. Gentle, easy stretching may help as well. Licensed physical therapists can best supervise this endeavor and can tailor a personalized strengthening and stretching routine for patients.
Fact: We’ve all heard of someone who has had a failed back surgery, Dr. Mendis says. And spinal fusion surgery is a major procedure in which two or more bones in the spine are permanently joined. Yet, the reality is that when skilled surgeons perform spinal fusion surgery for the right medical reasons, the procedure rarely needs to be repeated.
Fact: That can be true, but only sometimes. Usually, an irritated or compressed nerve in your spine causes pain in your leg and foot, Dr. Mendis says. With the proper treatment and therapy, these pains can be relieved.