5 Popular Medical Myths You Still Believe In

Medicine is constantly evolving, is in search of new solutions, so it is not surprising that there are hypotheses that become obsolete over time. However, substitution occurs very often, and pseudoscientific judgments, which, however, are very similar to the truth, take their place. Together with a neurologist, Ph. D., head of the "Clinical Center for Autonomic Neurology" Elena Belenko, we decided to dispel the most popular misconceptions about certain diseases, so as not to be led by them.

Myth No. 1: "Vegetovascular dystonia (VVD) is a disease"

The diagnosis "vegetative-vascular dystonia" is on everyone's lips. The paradox is that a diagnosis with such a formulation has long been absent from the modern classification of the disease. The fact of its correctness is often revised, however, in the public consciousness, the VSD continues to proudly exist as a disease - not only among patients, but also among doctors.

This diagnosis is incorrect, first of all, the word "vascular", which immediately suggests that we are talking about problems directly with the vessels. However, it is not. This diagnosis was made when there was a suspicion of a violation of the autonomic nervous system. In turn, the doctors abandoned this component, since not only the vessels, but also all the systems of internal organs are under the control of the autonomic nervous system. Consequently, in the picture of the disease there will be not only a violation of the work of blood vessels, but also, for example, complaints about a violation of the work of the heart, stomach or intestines.

Secondly, very often we equate the diagnosis and the disease. In other words, according to this logic, if there is no diagnosis, there can be no disease. However, this is a very dangerous misconception. The autonomic nervous system can get sick just like any other part of the human body. Such a disease often does not pose any threats to life, but it significantly reduces its quality, bringing discomfort and limiting development opportunities. The modern formulation of the diagnosis is somatoform dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system, or autonomic dystonia syndrome.

Myth number 2: "Nerve cells do not regenerate"

Another common misconception. In reality, nerve cells are able to recover, both with structural and functional damage.

Structural damage - that is, the destruction of the cell itself - occurs in a situation of trauma, or in the event of a vascular accident (stroke). In this case, the restoration of the cell proceeds gradually, contributing to the return of the patient's lost abilities. Through the process of neuroplasticity, intact parts of the brain take on the tasks of those cells that have collapsed. It is this mechanism that helps a person return to a full life as soon as possible.

Functional damage to the nerve cell, that is, the loss of its "responsibilities", is also an absolutely reversible process. In particular, we are talking about the cells of the autonomic nervous system. In this case, nerve cells and nerve structures cannot ensure the normal functioning of blood vessels and internal organs. This can happen for various reasons, including after severe emotional stress. Regardless of the causes of damage, the return of health is possible, since the restoration of the cell is provided genetically, that is, inherent in nature. All that a person needs in such a situation is the competent help of a neurologist.

Myth number 3: "Osteochondrosis of the spine must be treated"

Osteochondrosis is a finding when performing images of the spine on x-rays or computed tomography. That is, it is, in fact, an X-ray diagnosis, not a clinical one. During the examination, osteochondrosis will be described in most people, but not everyone will have a complaint of back pain.

Osteochondrosis is a natural aging process of the body. Already at the age of 20, such changes can be detected, however, back pain can appear at an earlier age, when osteochondrosis is not yet on the pictures. There are many reasons for back pain, and perhaps they will not even be associated with the back itself. For example, the so-called "reflected" pain, which is caused by diseases of the internal organs (for example, liver or kidney), will manifest itself as back pain. Therefore, you should not prescribe treatment for yourself without a preliminary examination by a doctor. This will save you time, money and will save you from unnecessary worries (read also: "Medical check up: what is it, who needs it and why").

Myth No. 4: "A herniated disc must be operated on / removed surgically"

According to scientific studies, the majority of patients after surgical removal of herniated discs returned back pain in the back. The question is rather complicated and the decision about surgical intervention may not always be justified.

Firstly, there are clear criteria and indications for making a decision on the surgical treatment of a hernia. Moreover, the size of the hernia does not apply to these criteria. It can be large and not touch the nerve root in any way. Or maybe the other way around - a small, but at the same time typical picture of nerve suffering and pain.

Secondly, the very presence of a hernia should not disturb the patient. It is not at all necessary that the hernia will sooner or later manifest itself as back pain. At the same time, linking the appearance of pain with the presence of a hernia can only lead away from the correct diagnosis.

And, again, according to scientific data, over time, hernias can decrease in size or disappear altogether on their own.

Myth # 5: "Migraine is any severe and frequent headache."

Currently, medicine is known for more than 20 types of headaches. In terms of frequency of occurrence, migraine is in second place. At the same time, of course, it is the most popular in the philistine sense. You can often hear: "My head hurts so badly, I have a migraine" or "I am worried that my headaches can turn into migraines, it hurts so much and often."

However, here it is necessary to understand that migraine is a hereditary disease and headache definitely cannot "turn" into a migraine (read also: "Not just a headache: what is a migraine and how to cope with it"). A fairly large number of types of headaches differ among themselves in localization (place of pain), nature, strength, frequency of occurrence, and various concomitant manifestations. Therefore, only a specialist can accurately identify the root cause of your headache and prescribe competent treatment.