Top 5 Mistakes When It Comes To Back Pain

Most of us will get back pain at some point in our life and we’ll be wondering what should I do, how long should I wait to see a doctor, or what should I absolutely avoid to prevent making my pain worse?

While there is no right or wrong answer to these questions, there are 5 Mistakes to Avoid when it comes to back pain. The RehabZone team of medical and rehabilitation professionals listed the top mistakes to avoid for the best chance of getting pain relief.

Mistake #1: Ignoring pain for too long

Most episodes of acute pain will resolve within 1-2 weeks, although it’s not a good idea to completely ignore it – especially for too long. Back pain that lasts for more than 3 weeks, losing control of bowel/bladder function, or experiencing fever/chills with back pain, could be a sign of something more serious and warrant seeing a doctor sooner than later. By knowing the cause of your pain, you can address it quickly. The good news is most episodes of back pain can improve with proper exercise, massage, or over the counter medication.

Mistake #2: Opting for injections or surgery without trying alternative methods.

All too often, a person chooses injections or surgery in the belief that it’s a “quick fix”. However, spinal procedures are often very complex, can require months of recovery, and have their risks. The good news is there are many nonsurgical treatments that can help to manage back pain, especially herniated discs, nerve compression, arthritis, and degenerative disc disease. A specialized back rehabilitation program should be tried for at least 4-6 weeks before considering risky procedures.

Mistake #3: Giving up because of chronic back pain.

Many people think surgery or chronic pain medication is the only option. They “give up” because nothing has worked. Chronic back pain can lead to disability, depression, and even unnecessary procedures. While it’s advisable to hold off on surgery for most back injuries, there are certain injuries which may be better suited for surgical treatment such as severe muscle weakness or nerve damage. Most people with chronic back pain that doesn't require surgery were never really shown the best exercises they could to have a pain free day.

Mistake #4: Laying down all day

It’s understandable to want to rest for a few days immediately following acute low back pain. However, a lack of activity reduces blood flow and can result in more pain or injury; therefore, it’s best to split time between sitting, standing, or laying down. The sooner one can start an introductory home exercise and stretching program specific for low back pain the better. This will lead to improved flexibility and strengthen the back muscles; both of which are really important for reducing pain.

Mistake #5: Not learning how to prevent low back pain

Low back pain can go away on its own. That does not mean you should assume it will never come back. Daily low back pain is usually caused by poor sitting, lifting, and standing habits that lead to stress and injury of the spine or surrounding tissue. Learning the most common causes of low back pain and how to identify why it hurts can help one take the necessary steps to prevent pain from coming back. Then they will be able to do the exact exercises designed to strengthen their back, improve flexibility, and correct bad posture.

Fortunately the doctors and fitness professionals at RehabZone have put together a program that teaches all of the techniques and exercises to reduce back pain, and prevent it from coming back. Learning about low back pain and how to prevent it from coming back is key to a healthy recovery.

The RehabZone program teaches people in pain how to reduce low back pain through a series of specialized exercises which are guided by professionals. They also teach how to properly sit, stand, and lift without pain.

To learn more and try it all for FREE click here or visit www.myrehabzone.com.