Infographic: Lower Back Pain (larger view) Doctors often come across misconceptions and superstitious beliefs about the causes of back pain and back problems. While several theories are passed down from well-meaning grandmothers, others come from content found on the internet. Learning the truth behind the myths from a trusted source is important for treating back problems in a medically accurate way and preventing further damage to the tissues. Show
Myth: Lower Back Pain Is a Telltale Sign of PregnancyTruth: Research indicates that anatomical and hormonal changes can cause back pain to occur in the later stages of pregnancy, during the second or third trimester, and only a small fraction of women develop back pain during the very early stages.1 The possibility may be considered when back pain is accompanied by other revealing symptoms and signs, such as a missed menstrual period, morning sickness, fatigue, headache, and/or body soreness. See Back Pain in Pregnancy Myth: Gas Causes Back PainTruth: Abdominal bloating and intestinal gas can cause mild to severe discomfort in the upper body. An increased feeling of bloating and gas can result in tightness in the chest, occasionally accompanied by sharp pain. Back pain is usually not related to abdominal bloating and intestinal gas unless the pain from the abdomen is referred to the back, which is rare. Back pain may result from gas bubbles within the spine and/or the cerebrospinal fluid, which is the fluid that covers and protects the spinal cord.2 This gas differs from the intestinal gas and is not related to the symptoms caused by it. The spinal gas bubbles may move slightly depending on the posture and cause focal areas of pressure on the spinal tissues, resulting in upper or lower back pain.2 advertisement Myth: Sitting Causes Back PainTruth: Sitting is an active process and engages the muscles and joints in the spine, hips, and pelvis. When an ergonomically supported posture is adopted while sitting, the stress on these tissues and joints is minimal and does not cause pain. To minimize these stresses, the following postural adaptations are recommended3:
Even while adopting a supported posture, it is advisable to take frequent breaks, every hour, by getting up, walking around, and/or doing simple stretches. Following these steps allows the upper and lower back to remain supported at all times and ensures the proper blood flow and nutrition supply to the spinal tissues. When sitting for long hours for work, using active workstations, such as sit-to-stand desks or stability balls allow the body to stay dynamic while seated, can reduce the risk of developing back pain.4 See Ten Tips for Improving Posture and Ergonomics Unsupported sitting postures, which include prolonged hunching or slouching, can cause the abdominal muscles to become strained and painful. Over time, their blood supply is reduced, slowly developing stiffness and weakness in the trunk and lower back.5 Prolonged sitting in an unsupported posture may also increase loads on the lower spinal discs, causing herniation and back pain with or without sciatica.6,7 See Good Posture Helps Reduce Back Pain In This Article:Myth: Constipation Does Not Cause Back PainTruth: While constipation does not directly affect the lower back tissues, this condition can cause specific disruptions in the body, which may cause or increase back pain.8
Women are 2 to 3 times more likely to get constipation compared to men.9 Myth: Stress Does Not Affect Back PainTruth: Stress is an emotional experience that can cause behavioral and psychological alterations in the body – elevating the perception of lower back pain. Depression and anxiety are thought to be the most common stress-related conditions associated with lower back pain.10 Research suggests that certain life stressors such as lack of social support and demanding jobs are associated with musculoskeletal back pain.11 For treating back pain associated with stress, individual psychological management is recommended as the primary treatment, followed by medical treatment for the back problem.10 See Stress-Related Back Pain advertisement Myth: Back Pain Is Not Related to Kidney ProblemsTruth: Certain problems related to the kidney(s) can cause back pain that is severe enough for an emergency room visit. The two most common kidney problems that can cause moderate to severe back pain are kidney stones and a kidney infection.12 The symptoms can occur on the left and/or right side of the lower back depending on the affected kidney and may be felt as a dull ache or a sharp, stabbing pain. A more serious kidney condition, renal cell carcinoma, can cause lower back pain.13,14 This condition, also called adenocarcinoma, is cancerous and has the ability to spread to other parts of the body (metastasize). Back pain in renal cell carcinoma may be similar to vertebral spondylolisthesis, causing severe sciatica-like symptoms, such as radiating leg pain. The symptoms usually occur at night.13 See Lower Left Back Pain from Internal Organs References
How do you get rid of gas in between your shoulder blades?Best home remedies for trapped gas. Move. Walk around. ... . Massage. Try gently massaging the painful spot.. Yoga poses. Specific yoga poses can help your body relax to aid the passing of gas. ... . Liquids. Drink noncarbonated liquids. ... . Herbs. Natural kitchen remedies for gas include: ... . Bicarbonate of soda.. Apple cider vinegar.. Can gas cause upper back pain between shoulder blades?Myth: Gas Causes Back Pain
An increased feeling of bloating and gas can result in tightness in the chest, occasionally accompanied by sharp pain. Back pain is usually not related to abdominal bloating and intestinal gas unless the pain from the abdomen is referred to the back, which is rare.
When should I worry about upper back pain between shoulder blades?When should I worry about upper back pain between shoulder blades? Call your doctor immediately if you are experiencing severe upper back pain between the shoulder blades, as it may be signs of a serious medical condition, such as lung disease, heart disease, blood vessel disease, or gallstones.
Why does the middle of my back hurt between my shoulder blades?Poor posture, injury, or problems with the spine can all lead to upper back pain. A common cause of pain between the shoulder blades is muscle strain. Treatments for mild upper back pain include stretching exercises and pain relievers. Some cases of pain between the shoulder blades are preventable.
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