Back and Shoulder Pain Myths: Sitting, Sleeping and Painkillers
Some beliefs about back and shoulder pain are so common that most people accept them as facts. Dr. Amr Elyamany takes three of them and sets the record straight.
Myth 1: sitting incorrectly causes a slipped disc
Not directly. Poor sitting does not itself cause a disc herniation, but it weakens the muscles, and over time that weakness can lead to one. So a bad sitting posture is a risk that builds slowly.
Myth 2: shoulder pain is always caused by sleeping on it
The shoulder is a joint with a very wide range of motion, so it can be injured in many ways. Sleeping on it can be one of them, but it is not the main cause.
Myth 3: lots of painkillers cure the problem
They cover it up for a short time. You are treating the symptom, not the disease, and frequent use can affect the stomach and other organs, so avoid taking them for long periods.
Key takeaway: Treat the cause, not just the pain: strengthen the muscles, correct the habits and get the shoulder or back examined.
When to see a doctor
- Back or shoulder pain that lasts more than a couple of weeks
- Needing painkillers every day to get through the day
- Numbness, weakness or night pain
Need advice about your own case? Book a consultation with Dr. Amr Elyamany in Dubai.
This article is for general education and does not replace an in-person medical examination. If you have symptoms, please consult a qualified doctor.