8 Myths about back pain – busted.

Back pain is a fairly common problem – as are the myths on the subject. Cleveland Clinic Center for Spine Health specialist Marzena Buzanowska, MD, who sees patients at Cleveland Clinic Hillcrest Hospital, shares the facts about back pain.

Myth: Exercise can hurt your back.

Fact: With professional guidance under a licensed physical therapist, exercise can help strengthen the muscles that support and stabilize your spine, allowing it to withstand more stress.

Myth: Herniated discs need to be surgically repaired.

Fact: Intervertebral discs, which cushion the spine against stress, may rupture or herniate, irritating the nearby nerves and causing back and leg pain. The good news is that more than 90 percent of herniated discs get better on their own with rest, or with physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications or spine injections.

Myth: If you go to a spine surgeon, it’s certain you’ll end up having surgery.

Fact: While there are a few spine conditions that require surgery, the majority of back problems are resolved without surgery.

Myth: If you have bulging discs, you have a major medical problem.

Fact: Bulging discs are a normal part of aging. However, an aged disc causes pain in only a fraction of patients and does not have to be replaced.

Myth: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans always show the source of back pain.

Fact: MRI scans demonstrate annular tears, herniated discs, nerve compression, and age-related “wear and tear.” MRI does not show weak muscles or other disorders that contribute to back pain. A thorough physical exam is the most important source to help determine the causes of back pain.

Myth: The best thing for a sore back is bed rest.

Fact: In most cases, gentle stretching or walking, under the guidance of a licensed physical therapist, helps resolve pain.

Myth: Spinal fusion surgery, which permanently joins two or more bones in the spine, always requires additional surgery.

Fact: When skilled surgeons perform spinal fusion surgery for the right medical reasons, the procedure rarely needs to be repeated.

Myth: Pinched nerves cause severe back pain.

Fact: Not necessarily. An irritated or compressed nerve in your spine typically causes pain in your leg and foot.

Marzena Buzanowska, MD