If you have not experienced back pain as yet, count yourself lucky. The fact is that 80% of us will experience back pain at some stage of our lives. The level of pain experienced from person to person often varies from small twinges that last for only a few days, to severe paralyzing chronic pain that will go on for months.

Separating Myths From Facts

The first common mistake that most people make is to treat all back-related pains as resulting from the same source and having the same pain level. This could not be further from the truth.

There are really only two kinds of back pain.

Acute - The most common of back pains. Usually does not last for very long (a few days or a few weeks at the most). The pain level is mild but could get worse if not treated properly.

Chronic - Will last for a few months or longer. It is very persistent and hard to determine the real cause. Will flare up occasionally with very high pain level.

Some Of Causes

Back pain can result from a lot of things. Some are self-inflicted and some result from a medical condition. Over stretching when the muscles are still cold or lifting an object in an incorrect manner can quite easily "throw out" you back. Medical conditions like kidney infections or arthritis can also contribute to back pain.

The Bigger The Pain The Bigger the Damage

People often associate the damage that has been caused to the back to the level of pain experienced. This is again another one of those myths. If you are experiencing severe pain in your lower back, often it will be simply due to a back strain or just muscle spasms. These two causes are enough to inflict pain so bad that you would find it very hard to walk or even stand straight. To put matters in real perspective, a very dangerous injury such as a degenerated disc can often go un-noticed.

Your Doctor Will Definitely Find The Cause.

While it is definitely a good move to see your doctor if you are experiencing any kind of back pain, the source of the problem often remains hidden. The reality is that 90% of back sufferers may never find the real cause for their back pain. This does not mean that the pain is something that is only in your head but rather that the back is so complex and that there are so many things affecting it, that a real reason is often too hard to find.

Stay In Bed And The Pain Will Go Away.

If I had a dollar every time I heard this, I would be a rich man. While staying in bed will not make the back worse, prolonging your stay for more than two days will most probably slow your recovery. It is much better if you get your back working fairly quickly after experiencing back problems. This is by no means a green light to start weight lifting or going to the gym, but rather a very slow build up to normal activities. This way you will be getting your back into shape much quicker.

I Cannot Exercise If I have Injured My Back

Research shows that doing simple exercises will not only make you pain-free sooner but exercising has also the ability to strengthen your back muscles making a re-occurring injury much less probable. But again, take it slow and better still see a physiotherapist who will be able to recommend specific back strengthening exercises for you.

Rest And Your Back Pain Will Go Away

Although there is a ounce of truth is the above statement, if you have a nagging back pain that has been there for days, you should contact your doctor to find out whether more specialized treatment is needed.

Dangerous symptoms that you should take notice of.

Your legs getting weaker and weaker

Bladder or bowel dysfunction

Really bad low back pain or abdominal pain

Chills together with fever and pain to the back

Sudden weight loss if you have a history of cancer

Trauma

If you are ever struck down with back pain, at least now you know the basic facts but please always consult a professional to be on the safe side.