If you’re suffering from chronic or acute back pain, you’ve probably tried various things to alleviate your discomfort. But are you causing more harm than good?
Common mistakes that many back pain sufferers make include:
Mistake No.1: Assuming Your Back Pain Will Go Away On Its Own
While it’s true that some types of back pain can naturally go away, don’t assume that yours is one of them. Too many patients that visit our chiropractic clinic near Leigh on Sea have been suffering in silence for too long. It’s critical that you receive the correct diagnosis and treatment plan as early on in your condition as possible. After all, why suffer unnecessarily?
Mistake No. 2: Becoming Too Reliant On Your GP
If you’ve been making frequent visits to your GP regarding your back pain and your symptoms haven’t improved then your case should be referred to a specialist health care provider. Typically, General Practitioners don’t have in-depth training in spine medicine, so for most patients it is not possible to receive an accurate diagnosis by visiting their GP only. Chiropractors have five years full-time training in neuro-musculoskeletal disorders as well as general diagnosis. So if they can’t diagnose your problem they will refer you to a specialist who can undertake all the appropriate tests. Make sure that you are completely honest about your symptoms (many people underplay their pain to a GP) and be persistent in seeking the help you need.
Mistake No 3: Focusing On Your MRI Results
Remember that MRI scans show pictures; they do not show pain. In other words, it is possible to receive a “normal” scan result and still be in severe pain. If this is the case, your physician should be able to combine your results with a full work-up to come to an accurate diagnosis. For chronic back pain sufferers, a “normal” MRI can be extremely frustrating, but keep working with your health care professional until you receive the correct diagnosis and treatment plan.
Mistake No. 4: Becoming Inactive
Of course, if you are in severe pain, then a few days of professionally-recommended rest can be helpful. Consistent inactivity overtime, however, will probably lead to even more pain. You can speed up your recovery and reduce the risk of future pain by keeping your back and its supporting structures strong and flexible. Ask your healthcare professional for advice on what exercises are right for your specific condition and work together to put a realistic plan in place.
For more advice or to book an appointment with our award winning team of chiropractors, contact Cliffs Chiropractor near Leigh on Sea on 01702 430430.