As a neurosurgeon with fellowship training in the treatment of spine disease, Dr. Karahalios has specialized in caring for patients with back and neck pain for over ten years.
The spine is a complex structure of bones and cartilage that encase the spinal cord. Its network of nerve tissue carries sensory and motor impulses between your body and brain. Given its complexity, it is not surprising that the spine conditions, and back and neck pain syndromes impacting millions of people in the U.S. are equally complicated, varied and complex. You might be interested to learn:
Facts
- Back pain is the second most common reason that people visit a physician, right behind the common cold.
- 1 out of 14 people will seek medical care for back or neck pain each year.
- The cost of back injuries exceeds $80 billion in the U.S. each year.
- 80% of people over 30 years old will experience back problems at some point; 30% will have recurring problems.
- In people younger than 45 years, back pain is the most common cause limiting activities.
- 84% of smokers are likely to develop degenerative disc disease in the lumbar spine, which can be a source of pain.
Misconceptions
Given the large number of people afflicted with back pain, many misconceptions exist about the condition, such as:
- Back belts allow you to lift more weight.
- Bed rest will cure back pain.
- Heat is best for acute back pain.
- Obesity is unrelated to back pain.
- You should not exercise if you have back pain.
THESE ARE ALL FALSE!
What can you do to lower your risk of back pain?
- Don’t smoke
- Maintain an ideal body weight
- Exercise regularly
- Use proper body mechanics