Key points:
- 90% of people will experience back pain at some point in their lives.
- Although back pain does not mean that there is an injury, a doctor should be consulted for treatment.
- Being overweight is a recurring factor in the appearance of back pain.
90% of people will suffer some type of back pain at some point, regardless of their age; which is why there are various myths around both the origins and the possible solutions.
“Factors such as aging, obesity, and poor physical condition can contribute to back pain. While you can’t control your age, you can focus on maintaining a healthy weight, which minimizes back strain.”1
Dr. Idelfonso Muñoz Romero, a neurosurgeon and spine and peripheral nerve specialist, says that a popular belief is that back pain only occurs in older people, but the reality is that, depending on the causes, it can appear from childhood either by growth or congenital causes; while in adult life it can be due to the degeneration of the body, bad posture or even some disease.
Due to all this, there are activities in daily life that can promote the appearance of back pain such as the use of high heels that increase the curve in the lumbar spine, for which it is ideal not to use heels higher than five centimeters.
Back pain does not necessarily mean that there is some type of injury, there are many variables that can cause it, such as a lack of physical activity, muscle weakness, poor posture, or obesity; the latter means that the spine will carry much more weight than is optimal, which can cause pain.
Having a good posture when sitting or standing will help our spine to be healthy. A good posture will help ensure that the load on the spine is adequate and the muscles work without pain.
There is a belief that lying down will improve back pain, says Dr. Muñoz, but it depends on the structures that are being affected. Also, when sleeping, the important thing is that the back remains aligned, but without being uncomfortable. Studies have shown that the optimum firmness of the mattress should be medium, which will allow you to keep a healthy spine.
Although back pain is not hereditary, there are some hereditary causes or diseases that can cause pain.
Whereupon, Dr. Muñoz recommends that the best way to avoid back pain is a healthy lifestyle, having an adequate weight and practicing constant physical activity. The use of lumbar belts or corsets only limits movement, which gives the sensation of having no pain.
Exercising in some cases can even improve your spine and back’s health, allowing you to keep your muscles active and strong, resulting in improved posture.
It is important to know the causes of back pain, and if you start to suffer from it, it is best to see a specialized doctor to find its origin, as well as a correct treatment.
At the ABC Medical Center’s Spine Clinic we can provide you with specialized care. Contact us!
Fuente:
Dr. Ildefonso Muñoz Romero neurosurgeon and spine and peripheral nerve specialist at ABC Medical Center
https://youtu.be/rZb_hHkhJmw
1 https://www.mayoclinic.org/es/healthy-lifestyle/adult-health/in-depth/back-pain/art-20044526
