Millions of people suffer from back pain every year and, unfortunately, they go about treating their back pain in ways that are wrong. These common myths make people suffer longer and, in worse case scenarios, often make the back pain worse rather than better. You can avoid these common mistakes and get better faster by simply keeping yourself informed.

Mistake #1: Back Pain Means Staying in Bed-

If you have acute back pain, you should not stay in bed. Studies have shown that prolonged bed rest can damage muscle tissue.

It is useful to rest the area for a short time. However, the bed rest should only last a day or two at most. Long-term inactivity can lead to:

" Muscle weakness

" Inflexibility

" Depression

Mistake #2: There's nothing I can do. I must live with it.-

Many people think that chronic back pain is something that comes with age and they just have to deal with it. Nothing can be further from the truth. When back pain interferes with your daily life, it is time to seek medical attention. You can seek help from your family physician, a chiropractor or a physical therapist.

The important thing is to get help. Studies have shown that chronic back pain leads to depression. Before depression sets in, you need to seek treatment for your back pain. There are treatments and you can receive help. You should not have to live with back pain.

Mistake #3: I will have to see a chiropractor every week.-

In the beginning, you may need to see a chiropractor every week to get the pain under control and to get physical therapy started. However, this should not last very long.

How often you see a chiropractor will depend on the extent of the injury. It will not be every week for the rest of your life. When you do see a chiropractor, you and the doctor will discuss a treatment plan that will lay out how often you will see the doctor. You will also discuss a time frame on how long it will be before results will be expected.

Mistake #4: I have to lose weight before my back pain will go away.-

Losing weight will reduce the back pain. However, you can do things to reduce the back pain now. You do not have to wait until you lose weight to start treating your back pain. In fact, you can see a chiropractor that works with nutritionists and physical therapists to start treating your back pain now. Together you can work to get your weight and your back pain under control. This way you work on your entire body while reducing your weight.

Mistake #5: Not looking for a chiropractor that does it all.-

The biggest mistake anyone can make is not looking for a chiropractor who can help. What you need to look for is a doctor that specializes in Progressive Rehab. This way you know you are getting a chiropractor that combines all the current chiropractic treatments in one place.