Are worn vertebrae and herniated discs the cause of low back pain? Are hard mattresses good for the lower back? Does mild back pain go away on its own? Are back problems only seen in old age? Answering many questions about low back pain, Dr. Faculty Member Yıldız Erdoğanoğlu points out that pain in the lumbar region, one of the most important parts of the spine, is among the most common health problems in developed societies. Stating that approximately three quarters of the society experience low back pain from time to time, Erdoğanoğlu lists the common misconceptions about low back pain.
Yıldız Erdoğanoğlu, Faculty Member of Üsküdar University Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Specialist at NP Feneryolu Medical Center, made evaluations regarding the pain in the lumbar region, one of the most important parts of the spine.
The disease of developed societies; low back pain
Prof. Dr. Faculty Member Yıldız Erdoğanoğlu said that low back pain occurs over time due to long working hours spent sitting at a desk, incorrect sitting and loading habits. Noting that almost three-quarters of people in developed societies complain of low back pain from time to time and that the pain becomes chronic in most of them, Dr. Faculty Member Yıldız Erdoğanoğlu listed the common misconceptions about low back pain as follows:
The cause of low back pain is worn vertebrae and herniated disc!
False! Mild pain indicates muscle tension, inadequate movement and incorrect movement habits. There are five vertebrae in our lumbar region and these vertebrae are held together by muscles, joints, ligaments and cartilages. Between the vertebrae are structures called discs. The discs provide both durability and mobility and help to resist strain. In a sense, they help absorb the impacts on the spine and transmit the loads to the surrounding structures in a balanced manner. The vertebrae and discs are considered to be stable elements of the body and do not usually wear out until a very old age. Other causes of pain can be displaced discs, pinched nerves and incorrect posture habits.
Do not move when you have back pain!
False! For many conditions, it may be true that bed rest helps to relieve pain. However, this is not true for low back pain. One of the main causes of low back pain is a sedentary lifestyle. The disc between our vertebrae can only supply its needs for water and nutrients when there is sufficient physical activity.
Sitting is better for the discs than standing!
False! Although many people think that sitting is more beneficial than standing to reduce the load on the discs, this is not the case. A pressure of 0 on the discs, which act like shock absorbers in an upright posture, increases to 0 when sitting upright. In the bent and reclined position, which most people find more comfortable, the load reaches almost 200%. Over time, this can lead to lower back pain.
Hard mattresses are good for the lower back!
No! Very hard sleeping surfaces cause the lumbar region to remain in space during sleep and cause muscle tension. Chronic pain and sleep disturbances follow. Mattresses that are too soft do not support the back well enough. Moderate firmness is more appropriate when choosing a mattress. When purchasing a new mattress, patients should be advised to try it out and receive personalized advice.
Physical activity with excessive loads damages the lower back!
This only applies under certain conditions. For example, anyone who plays sports for long periods of time with unilateral movements is likely to damage their spine. Sports such as tennis or golf are examples. With this knowledge, it is possible to say that high performance athletes and professionals who are exposed to a lot of physical stress are more at risk, but research shows that only 5% of people experience low back pain due to physical stress. It should not be forgotten that the biggest cause of low back pain is a sedentary lifestyle.
Mild back pain goes away on its own!
This is actually true! Not all low back pain requires treatment, but it does not go away on its own. Take care to be more active, pay attention to sitting, bending, lifting, weight bearing, etc. Recent research suggests that people with low back pain should consult a physician and physiotherapist as soon as possible.
Winter and cold weather increase susceptibility to low back pain!
It is true that many people suffer from low back pain in winter. However, it is not true that this is caused by cold weather. Most people prefer to travel by car, even for short distances, spend as little time as possible outdoors and mostly sit on the couch indoors during their free time due to the conditions of the winter season. This sedentary lifestyle is the main cause of back pain.
Back problems only occur in old age!
False! Some studies show that in some societies, even in the 14-29 age group, 60% of people suffer from back pain. The reason for this is clear: Industrialization and the advancement of technology push people into sedentary lifestyles. In addition, habits such as incorrect posture, sitting and weight bearing also contribute to low back pain. In other words, it is not uncommon to see a herniated disc in your early 30s.
