Wellbeing
The lowdown on lower back pain
CAITLYN HUTH begins a two-part series that explodes the myths on a very common problem.
A few thoughts and beliefs have been proven wrong with regard to experiencing intermittent or chronic lower back pain. As science continues to learn more about the body, we must address some prior ways of thinking to update our support.
Your back is ‘out’ – it is extremely hard to dislocate a joint. Rugby players, gymnastics and divers all experience sharp blows to their back, and while this may be uncomfortable, they can get back up with their spine still intact. So, to think that living our everyday life while sleeping or standing can prove to dislodge our back is something that we can think more on. We’re led to believe that the popping sound we feel when our back is cracked is the spine realigning. This popping feeling is often associated with the joint feeling better, which is more likely the joint fluid being loosened up than the actual joint shifting. We are incredibly robust and resilient and we cannot change the orientation of a joint with our bare hands and a deep breath. Rest assured that friendly motion is all we need to loosen things up and get back into our day.
Bed rest is best – lying down after a big day can really leave us feeling much more rested and rejuvenated, though we each know this can’t last forever. When we’re experiencing a new episode of back pain, we’re right in thinking that resting is a good tool to let our body recover, yet we know everything should be done in moderation. If we follow the law of “movement is medicine and rest is rust”, we know there will have to be a middle ground in which we must get back into moving. The saying: “Bed rest is best” may have some truth to it, but motion will always be the best lotion in the recovery journey.
Lifting is bad – cars often wear out over time because they are not alive. Trees grow taller, animals grow larger and people become stronger when challenged the right amount. So, to hear that lifting weights is bad for your back is too polarising and likely a story of moderation than avoidance. Picking up a car is likely not good for you, though that would depend on what you’ve practised or built yourself up to beforehand. Our body can handle things we prepare it for, so the “not too much, not too soon” mentality will help our living and constantly adapting bodies to be prepared for our evolving lives.
We will address two more common myths next time.
Caitlyn Huth is an exercise physiologist at Full Circle Wellness. Call 5456 1599 or visit fullcirclewellness.com.au
