Our back is the supporting structure of our body and yet its importance is often underestimated. There are many myths surrounding the topic of back pain and back health, some of which are long out of date. At the same time, there are numerous lesser-known facts that amaze us and underline the importance of a healthy spine.
Back pain should not be taken lightly and should always be examined by specialists such as the experienced surgeons at the Apex-Spine spine center. Here are some myths debunked, interesting facts and reasons why a specialized spine clinic like Apex-Spine is essential for diagnosing and treating back pain.
Debunked myths about the back:
"A strong back knows no pain":
Strong muscles protect against back problems, but do not make you immune to pain or injuries. It is therefore important to take regular breaks for exercise, use ergonomic workstations and pay attention to good posture. Stress-related tension or poor posture can also lead to back pain.
It is therefore advisable to integrate targeted relaxation exercises into your daily routine and to ensure that the load on your spine is balanced. Regular training of your back muscles can also improve the stability of your back and thus reduce the risk of injury. A well-trained back is therefore more resilient, but you should still pay close attention to your body's needs in order to prevent pain.
"Herniated discs always require surgical treatment":
Many herniated discs can be treated conservatively; surgery is often not the first choice. However, there are situations in which surgery is unavoidable. For example, if severe paralysis or incontinence occurs. In such cases, surgery may be necessary to prevent permanent damage and improve the patient's quality of life. It is therefore important that each case is considered individually, carefully diagnosed and treated accordingly.
Interesting facts about back pain:
Chronic back pain is the most common cause of physical disability in adults under 45 years of age in Western countries.
Stress and psychosocial factors can increase the sensation of pain in the back. People who suffer from chronic back pain often have to deal with a vicious circle of pain and psychological stress. Stress, anxiety and depression can increase the sensation of pain in the back and make the symptoms worse. This puts those affected in a state of constant physical and mental stress that can severely affect their quality of life. It is therefore important to include psychosocial factors in the treatment of back pain in order to provide holistic relief.
Facts about back health:
Correct lifting and carrying is essential: bend your knees, keep the load close to your body and distribute the weight evenly on both sides. A balanced mix of strength training, flexibility training and endurance sports can support back health.
Curious and astonishing facts:
The spine of an adult human can withstand loads of several hundred kilograms – a remarkable achievement of nature.
The lowest density of pain receptors is in the intervertebral discs, which is why initial damage can go unnoticed for a long time. However, the natural resilience of the spine is not infinite. With permanent overload or incorrect posture, damage can develop that causes long-term problems. It is therefore important to pay attention to a healthy posture and regular exercise in order to keep the spine permanently stable and pain-free.
Adults shrink by up to 3 cm during the day because the discs lose fluid. This loss of fluid in the discs causes the spaces between the vertebrae to shrink over the course of the day. This reduces the size of the spine and adults actually appear a few centimeters shorter in the evening than they do in the morning. This effect can be mitigated by drinking enough fluids and exercising regularly to maintain the elasticity of the discs.
Why professional assessment of back pain is important:
Persistent back pain can be an indicator of more serious conditions and should not be ignored. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent long-term damage.
The Apex-Spine Spine Center as a special clinic:
The Apex-Spine spine center brings together internationally experienced and highly specialized surgeons under one roof. Modern diagnostic procedures and innovative treatment methods are constantly being developed here. Thanks to this high level of specialization, patients benefit from comprehensive expertise that enables customized treatment plans.
Be it a slipped disc, scoliosis or other back problems - the Apex-Spine spine center focuses on the individual needs and the best possible care for each patient. By using the latest technologies and surgical methods, such as minimally invasive procedures, patients can benefit from shorter recovery times and an improved quality of life.