Stop Blaming Heavy Lifting! Spine Surgeon Breaks Down What’s REALLY Hurting Your Back (Image Credits: iStock)
When we talk about health, the spine often gets overlooked — until the pain strikes. But did you know that spine issues can silently develop even without any obvious symptoms? Your spine is the backbone (literally!) of your body, supporting everything from movement to posture to balance. "Maintaining spinal health is crucial because even minor issues can snowball into major complications over time," says Dr Ayush Sharma, Orthopaedic Spine Surgeon, Mumbai.
Sadly, many people fall prey to common myths about spine health, unknowingly putting their backs at risk. Misconceptions can lead to poor habits, dangerous home remedies, ignoring early warning signs, and even delaying proper treatment. Let's separate fact from fiction with the help of expert insights from Dr Sharma.
Myth 1: If there's no back pain, your spine must be healthy
One of the most dangerous assumptions people make is that no pain means no problem. "Several spinal conditions, like disc degeneration, nerve compression, or early scoliosis, can be present without causing immediate discomfort," warns Dr Sharma. Regular spinal checkups and maintaining good posture are critical, even if you feel fine. Early detection can prevent long-term damage.
Myth 2: Lifting heavy things always causes back problems
Many believe that lifting anything heavy automatically damages the spine. However, it's not the weight but how you lift it that matters. "Injuries happen because people often bend their backs instead of using their knees and hips while lifting," explains Dr Sharma. Learning and practising proper lifting techniques can drastically reduce the risk of injury.
Myth 3: A little slouching isn’t a big deal
We've all been guilty of slouching at some point. It might seem harmless, but over time, poor posture can take a serious toll on spinal health. "Chronic slouching places unnecessary stress on the spine’s natural curvature, leading to stiffness, pain, and even long-term structural changes," Dr Sharma points out. Setting up an ergonomic workspace and practising good sitting habits can protect your spine in the long run.
Myth 4: Exercise makes back pain worse
Many people fear that physical activity might worsen existing back pain. In reality, the opposite is true. "Staying inactive can actually weaken your back muscles and stiffen your spine, making the pain worse over time," says Dr Sharma. Gentle, targeted exercises designed to strengthen your core and back muscles can provide relief and prevent future injuries. Of course, it's important to get professional advice about what exercises are safe for your specific condition.
Why Spine Health Deserves More Attention
Ignoring spine health doesn’t just affect your back — it impacts your overall quality of life. Poor spinal function can lead to issues with balance, mobility, and even organ function. "The spine houses and protects the spinal cord, which is a critical communication highway between your brain and body," Dr Sharma explains. Prioritising spinal care means taking charge of your whole-body health.
Don’t wait for back pain to take control of your life. Start by debunking these common myths and adopting healthy habits like regular exercise, maintaining good posture, lifting correctly, and scheduling preventive spine checkups. "A healthy spine is key to a healthy, active life," says Dr Sharma — and it's never too early or too late to start taking care of it.
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