You should never do these three things with back pain

Back pain: we all recognize it. The fact that we don’t have to lift heavy boxes is nothing new. But doctors have another important message for people with back pain: do not bend, do not lift and do not twist.

According to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, people with back pain who do bend, lift and twist may be at risk for a herniated disc, in which the discs that serve as cushions between the vertebrae in the spine rupture or slip. This can happen after the intervertebral discs have first swollen and the hernia puts pressure on the nerves in the spinal canal.

Backache

“Many patients who suffer from back pain probably already have damage to their intervertebral discs. They may not have as much damage as people with a hernia, but they are certainly at risk of developing one,” concludes Dr. Arthur Jenkins, neuro and spine surgeon, in an article by Huffpost.

“A herniated disc usually occurs when the outer ring of the disc is damaged, allowing the inner core to squeeze outward under pressure,” explains Jenkins. Bending, lifting and twisting can increase this risk. “Any type of movement increases pressure in the disc space and can lead to a herniated disc, but all three at once is the worst.”