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Back pain is a widespread condition, and unfortunately, there are many myths and misconceptions surrounding its causes, treatment, and prognosis. These myths can hinder recovery and increase the fear and anxiety around the pain, making it harder for people to take appropriate action. At Osteopath Blackpool, we’re here to clear up the confusion.
Based on the research by O'Sullivan et al. (2019), let’s debunk some of the most common myths about back pain and share the facts that can help you better understand and manage your condition.
Myth 1: Back pain is always a serious medical condition.
Fact: Most cases of back pain are non-specific and not caused by serious conditions. In fact, back pain is rarely a sign of something life-threatening, and most people recover with the right approach.
Myth 2: Back pain will inevitably get worse as you age.
Fact: While aging brings natural changes to the spine, back pain does not necessarily get worse with age. Many people experience improvements over time, especially with proper self-care and guidance from healthcare professionals.
Myth 3: Persistent back pain is always due to tissue damage.
Fact: Persistent back pain is often more related to factors like fear, anxiety, and negative beliefs about the pain than to tissue damage. Focusing on these psychological aspects can be just as important as addressing physical issues.
Myth 4: You need a scan to find out what’s causing your back pain.
Fact: Scans such as MRIs and X-rays are not always helpful for diagnosing back pain. Many findings, such as disc degeneration, are common in people without back pain and may not be relevant to the current symptoms.
Myth 5: Pain during movement or exercise means you're doing more harm.
Fact: Experiencing some pain during movement or exercise does not always indicate harm. In fact, gentle movement and exercise are key to recovery. Avoiding activity out of fear can prolong recovery.
Myth 6: Poor posture is the main cause of back pain.
Fact: There is no strong evidence that poor posture directly causes back pain. Although maintaining good posture can be helpful, focusing too much on posture can cause unnecessary anxiety and muscle tension.
Myth 7: A weak core is the cause of back pain.
Fact: While core strength is important for overall health, a weak core is not the sole cause of back pain. In fact, over-tensing core muscles can sometimes make the pain worse. It's important to balance strength with relaxation.
Myth 8: Repeated spinal loading causes ‘wear and tear’ that leads to damage.
Fact: The spine is designed to handle loads, and regular, graded spinal movement helps build resilience. It’s not the repetition of movement but how it's managed that matters.
Myth 9: Pain flare-ups mean you’ve caused more damage and should rest.
Fact: Flare-ups of back pain are usually related to changes in activity, stress, or mood rather than tissue damage. Resting too much can make the situation worse, while gentle movement helps manage flare-ups.
Myth 10: Medications, injections, or surgery are necessary for treating back pain.
Fact: Effective back pain treatment is often low-cost and safe, focusing on patient-centered education, exercise, and mental health. Surgery and strong medications are only required in a small percentage of cases.
Conclusion:
Back pain doesn’t have to control your life. Understanding the facts and debunking common myths can help you approach your pain with confidence and take the right steps towards recovery. At Osteopath Blackpool, we are here to provide you with the knowledge and treatment options that work.
Reference:
O'Sullivan PB, et al. (2019). Back to basics: 10 facts every person should know about back pain. Br J Sports Med. doi:10.1136/bjsports-2019-101611.
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