Almost 70 per cent of the adult population encounters some form of back pain at some stage or the other. It is not wrong to consider it a universal epidemic. Certainly, back pain recognizes no age, economic, or ethnic barriers. Even though research and studies have found effective drugs and therapies to combat it, still people continue to suffer mainly because of dogmatic traditions and inadequate knowledge. This article presents some little-known facts about your back that will help you keep it in top shape:

• Do you think that sitting is easier on your back than standing or lifting? This is not true. In actual fact people with jobs which require them to sit on a chair for long periods of time experience just as many problems as those who do labour intensive work.

• Is surgery the answer? No, in fact the amount of pain has very little to do with whether you could benefit from surgery. According to research for every 10,000 people who experience back pain, only four need surgery. And yet, one of the most frequently asked questions by back pain sufferers is: "Who's the best specialist in town?" Waste of time. Waste of energy. Waste of money.

• Back pain patients need to be on bed rest for weeks and months? No, two or three days of bed rest is enough. After that, he/ she can gradually return to their normal activity. Staying in bed can actually decrease muscle strength.

• Is depression and chronic back pain interrelated? Yes, it is common for anti-depressant medication to be prescribed to patients who suffer from back pain. But the interesting point is when depressed patients take anti-depressants it takes about three weeks for the medication to have an effect. And when back pain sufferers take the same medication, their pain levels often decrease in about a week.

• Is MRI necessary? No, MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is simply not necessary for the diagnosis of the vast majority of back pain. What is necessary is a good clinical examination made by an interested and experienced physician who isn't packing your pain in a hurry.

The Cure

Proper exercise and physical activity with the use of posture support vests to promote exercise while supporting back muscles is the best cure. In addition, you need to activate "the physician that lives within." You can actually manipulate the pain to get relief from it. If properly trained, your mind has this ability to relieve and eliminate chronic pain. This can be done through powerful relaxation techniques. Just think, in a number of weeks you can substantially relieve, if not eliminate back pain, by doing something as simple as taking three deep breaths.

Here are some other mental techniques that you can do:

• Positive Thinking
• Deep Breathing and Progressive Muscle Relaxation
• Humor and Music
• Meditation
• Helping Others
• Faith and Prayer
• Proper Management of Stressors and Emotional Issues

Back pain is a major health problem that unfortunately cannot be eradicated. However, it can be controlled by proper awareness and information. So remember to get your facts in order and keep your back in shape.