Back Pain Myths Revealed by Our Back Pain Specialists
January 02, 2021
Are you suffering from back pain and feeling like this painful issue may never disappear? Don’t worry, you’re not alone! A lot of people assume they’re going to have to get used to their back and neck pain and that is a common misconception. Fortunately, this isn’t the case. An accurate diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan can alleviate your pain and improve your life considerably.
If you’re suffering from back pain in Hackensack, NJ, you’re probably looking for a board-certified back doctor in your area. You’ve come to the right place! Our Harvard-trained back pain physicians work closely to identify and manage all types of neck and back problems at Pain Treatment Specialists, including basic conditions such as herniated discs and nerve compressions to complicated ones such as spondylitis or spinal deformities.
As mentioned above, back pain is more common than you think, with over 80% of the United States citizens suffering from a condition at some point in their lives that causes back pain. It is important to understand, however, that back pain affects people differently and that the symptoms associated with a back problem vary from one person to another quite often. The pain can be sharp and brief for some individuals and it can be dull and long-lasting for others. But individuals who suffer from back pain have one thing in common regardless of these symptoms – they don’t always recognize the myths and facts associated with back pain. The good news is that our board-certified back pain specialists are here to uncover some of these back pain myths and to help you understand your condition and treat it correctly.
Back Pain Myth #1: You should stand up more often to prevent back pain
We all know that sitting down for long periods will eventually cause neck and back pain. However, if you force yourself to sit up straight you might put too much pressure on your back and this can also lead to back pain. So, the trick here is to find the balance between sitting straight and leaning back in your chair and curving your back gently to encourage the relaxation of your muscles. Sitting in a slouching posture can be more relaxing, according to our back pain doctors in Hackensack, since it keeps some of the pressure off the lower spinal discs.
Back Pain Myth #2: Avoid lifting heavy objects to prevent back pain
When lifting large or heavy objects, pay close attention to the way you lift them, not just their weight. It’s very important to stay close to the object and to squat instead of bending your back to avoid back pain. If you use your legs you’ll avoid putting too much pressure on your spine. By lifting heavy objects correctly you’ll avoid bending or torquing your body in an unusual manner that would cause you back pain. But be careful not to lift beyond your power.
If you’ve lifted something heavy and you’re in pain, try to take a few days off to recover. Make sure you find a back pain specialist near you if the pain is persistent and worsens with time. Our Hackensack, NJ pain management experts can provide minimally invasive treatments such as nerve blocks, steroid injections, and other similarly successful methods for non-surgical care.
Back Pain Myth #3: Surgery is the first option in case of a herniated disc
As stated above, back pain is a very complex issue that can be caused by several different conditions. Every patient is different and a herniated disc can impact people differently. So, even if someone you know was looking for spine surgeons because of a slipped disc, that doesn’t mean you’re also going to need surgery.
If the test confirms that you have a shattered disc, our chronic pain specialists can offer non-surgical, minimally invasive spine care treatments. In 90% of the cases, back pain associated with damaged discs (broken discs, bulged discs, etc.) will often decrease on its own after six weeks. So, if you think you have a slipped disc problem, then you should book an appointment with one of our back pain specialists in Hackensack, NJ.
Back Pain Myth #4: MRIs and X-rays can detect the cause of your back pain
MRIs, CT scans, and X-rays are very successful, but they do not always work when it comes to discovering the exact source of the back pain. Not all spine abnormalities trigger back pain, and not all people who suffer from back pain have a spine problem.
These imagining tests cannot show unhealthy habits, such as a bad posture in front of a computer, a bad diet, a stressful job, or other issues such as strained ligaments and muscle spasms. An accredited back pain specialist will find the cause of your back pain by using a combination of tests, thorough physical examinations, and other techniques. It is important to remember that several different conditions can trigger back pain and not all of them are easy to diagnose.
If you have back pain problems and you haven’t been able to find a cause yet, schedule a meeting at our Hackensack back pain clinics. Dr. Laura Lombardi, Dr. Shane Volney, and Dr. George Hanna will evaluate your medical history, establish the diagnosis and treatment options for your neck and back pain. Make sure you visit our state-of-the-art pain clinics in Paramus on Route 17, near the Paramus Park Mall, in Clifton, NJ, on Route 46 E, past the Ford dealership, in West Orange, close to the Essex Country Club.
Book a Consultation
Scheduling a consultation with one of our pain treatment specialists is one of the best ways to determine the proper solution for pain relief.
Meet Our Team of Back Pain Specialists
All of our Pain Doctors in New Jersey are Harvard Trained and Board Certified in Pain Management
Back Pain Doctor Clifton & West Orange NJ
Dr. George Hanna
Dr. Hanna is a Harvard Trained back specialist in New Jersey and New York. He serves as Medical Director of Pain Management.
Back Pain Doctor Clifton & West Orange NJ
Dr. Laura Lombardi
Dr. Lombardi is a Harvard Trained back pain treatment doctor, currently seeing patients in Clifton and West Orange, New Jersey.
Back Pain Doctor Clifton & West Orange NJ
Dr. Shane Volney
Dr. Volney is a Harvard Trained back treatment doctor seeing patients in the NJ areas of Clifton & West Orange, and in NYC.
Back Pain Doctor Clifton & West Orange NJ
Dr. Michael Nguyen
Dr. Nguyen is Harvard Trained and Board Certified in Pain Management. His pain center accepts major medical insurances and Medicare.
Dr. George Hanna
Dr. Laura Lombardi
Dr. Lombardi is a Harvard Trained back pain treatment doctor, currently seeing patients in Clifton and West Orange, and Paramus New Jersey.
Dr. Shane Volney
Dr. Volney is a Harvard Trained back treatment doctor seeing patients in the NJ areas of Clifton & West Orange, and in NYC.
Dr. Michael Nguyen
Dr. Nguyen is Harvard Trained and Board Certified in Pain Management. His pain center accepts major medical insurances and Medicare.