Back pain is one of the most frequent complaints worldwide, especially among office workers. The causes can range from poor sitting posture to sedentary lifestyle with lack of physical activities. Unfortunately, various myths about back pain still circulate and can interfere with proper management. What misconceptions about back pain are still widely believed?

Myths and Facts About Back Pain

Myths about back pain can lead people to choose the wrong way to manage it, which may actually make the condition worse. Here are some popular myths about back pain that are not entirely accurate:

1. You Just Need to Sit Up Straight

Many people believe slouching is the main cause of back pain, so they assume the solution is simply to sit up straight all the time. According to WebMD, this is only partially true. Sitting in a hunched position for long periods can indeed strain your back, but forcing yourself to sit upright for hours, such as when you work on a laptop, can also cause back pain.

To prevent back pain caused by prolonged sitting, give your body regular breaks before the pain starts. Lean back in a comfortable chair, adjust your position, and take short pauses to stretch your body lightly.

2. Exercise Is the Cause of Back Pain

According to Spine Universe, many people blame exercise for their back pain, especially activities that involve weightlifting. In reality, when it is done with proper technique and posture, weight training helps strengthen the muscles. For example, when lifting, you should bend at your hips and knees, keep the load close to your body, and lift slowly.

3. Exercise Will Make Back Pain Worse

This belief often makes people avoid physical activity when their backs start to hurt. While you may have limited exercise options because of your back pain, completely avoiding movement is not the answer. The right kind of exercise can actually help relieve back pain.

4. Bed Rest Is the Best Solution

When back pain strikes, your muscles do need a chance to recover, but that does not mean you should spend all your time lying down. Staying in bed too long can make your muscles weaker and slow down the healing process. In addition, using a mattress that is overly soft or extremely hard can worsen muscle pain when you are injured.

5. Back Pain Only Happens Because of Age

Many people assume that back pain is simply part of getting older. This is not entirely true, because back pain can occur at any age, including in people who are still in their most productive years. Injuries and poor posture can all cause back problems, not just aging. To reduce the risk of back pain later in life, it helps to practice regular strengthening and flexibility exercises such as yoga or gymnastics. With consistent exercise, back pain can often be managed and prevented.

6. Thin People Are Safe From Back Pain

Being overweight does increase pressure on the spine and can make back pain more likely. Even so, this does not mean that thin people are automatically protected. Anyone, regardless of body size, can experience back pain due to injuries or poor habits that strain the back.

As it turns out, many myths about what causes back pain are not entirely correct. Back pain is usually related to muscle strain, incorrect weightlifting, sudden awkward movements, or tense sitting positions, among other triggers. If you experience back pain, avoid immediately massaging the painful area and consult a doctor to obtain an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

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