The many myths about back pain

 

 

 

This is the one we hear most often and, in most cases, isn’t going to help at all. The reason for this is that muscles weaken with rest. And – here’s your bizarre fact for the day (!) – it’s estimated that they lose their strength four times faster than you can build them up. If you’d prefer a figure, this equates to 1 to 1.5% of muscle loss a day. 

 

While it may not sound like much, it quickly builds up to a real problem over a relatively short period of time. As a result, the back is less supported by the surrounding muscles and so has to carry a greater load. Ironically this can then lead to further back problems and a downward spiral begins. 

 

At the same time bed rest has other consequences, particularly over the longer term. These include reduced heart function and bone density, as well as an increased risk of blood clots. 

 

Having said that, there is one case when bed rest is necessary and this in the case of acute pain. And we’re not talking about a bit of an ache or stiffness. Rather the type of pain that has you thrashing about in agony if you try to move or, sometimes, simply from breathing more deeply than usual. 

 

Here a day or two’s bed rest, to reduce pressure and inflammation, can help although it’s important to get up and about as soon as possible. More about this in a moment. However, as with any acute pain, we would always advise you to seek appropriate medical advice asap. 

 

 

As you can now see – with the caveat for acute pain (!) – total rest is not the answer to back pain. Rather it’s about keeping yourself mobile and listening to your body. Gentle stretches, walking and not remaining in one position for too long, whether sitting or standing, will all help. This is particularly the case if you sit for periods of time in front of the computer or in the car. It will make a real difference if you remember to get up regularly, walk around and have a gentle stretch. 

 

Obviously you shouldn’t be taking strenuous exercise at this time, but there’s no reason why you can’t return to more active sports once you’re fully recovered. Having said this, it would be a wise precaution to check that you’re using the best – and up to date (!) – equipment AND that poor technique hasn’t unwittingly contributed to the problem. 

 

You’d be amazed how often people are using old or unsuitable running shoes. One client, who shall remain nameless, was still using the pumps he used to wear at school for gym at least 20 years before (!). And referring to them as “pumps” really should have been a giveaway that he hadn’t had any new shoes for a long time… 

 

Or how often people have never taken any advice – or had a lesson – for their favourite sport. Again, running is a prime example or this, where people just go and do it, not realising the longer terms effects of poor technique. 

 

As an aside, there’s also a good reason why some injuries are named after a particular sport, such as tennis elbow or golfers elbow. You have been warned. 

 

 

While it’s true that the fitter you are, the less likely you are to experience back pain, it’s still possible that you may do so. However, if you are fitter, you’re likely to recover more quickly than someone who is sedentary and less fit. 

 

There’s no doubt that some sports and activities are higher impact or carry a greater risk of injury. And, dare we say that age can play a part too, which is why some sports or activities are better suited to younger people. And, as we’ve already mentioned, poor technique or equipment can cause unforeseen problems longer term. Perhaps a little common sense is needed when choosing an exercise that you enjoy and suits your body – and age (!?!). 

 

This is one of the reasons why Pilates and Yoga can be so helpful in recovering from – and preventing a reoccurrence – of back problems. Not only do they help to strengthen the core muscles, so supporting the back, but also improve overall condition and  

flexibility too. 

 

 

Thankfully, this isn’t the case. The back and its surrounding muscles, tendons and ligaments are incredibly strong but flexible. They provide a strong core for the body and are remarkably resilient to the demands we place on them. 

 

 

Again, this isn’t automatically the case. Pain is simply the body’s way of telling you to stop doing whatever it is you’re doing NOW. It’s usually a pre emptive warning before you do any damage. This is why pain escalates if you continue doing whatever it is that’s causing it… 

 

 

The good news is that, in the vast majority of cases, there’s no genetic link. Lifestyle and poor posture are much more likely causes, particularly as people are becoming increasingly sedentary. 

 

 

Again, this isn’t automatically the case. Just because you’ve had a back problem in the past, it doesn’t mean that it’s going to happen again in the future or get worse. It’s more about whether you take steps to look after your back in the future and address any likely causes. 

 

 

More often than not, there isn’t a specific or underlying reason for a back problem. It’s just “one of those things” and will usually resolve itself in a few days without any further problems. With the benefit of hindsight (!) it’s often possible to work out what may have caused it – and, in the process, realise why whatever it was you were doing wasn’t such a good idea… 

 

In many cases there’s very little to be seen on an x ray – which only shows the bones and often not in much detail – or scans – which show some soft tissues as well. This means that if you’re wanting a definitive answer, then you may not get one. 

 

 

As with so many things in life (!) there are lots of simple things you can do to avoid back pain in the first place. Or help to speed it on its way. We’re mentioned some of these in this post and we’ll close with the advice we regularly give clients: 

 

 

As always, the choice is yours.