Low Back Pain Myths & Facts
Did You Know?
80% of people will experience low back pain at least once in their life.
Myth:
Low back pain is usually a serious medical condition
Fact:
Low back pain is not a serious life-threatening medical condition
Myth:
Low back pain will become persistent and deteriorate in later life
Fact:
Most episodes of low back pain improve low back pain does not get worse as we age
Myth:
Scans (X-rays, MRI’s, etc) are always needed to detect the cause of low back pain
Fact:
Scans do not determine prognosis of the current episode of low back pain, the likelihood of future low back disability, and do not improve low back pain clinical outcomes
Myth:
Persistent low back pain is always related to tissue damage
Fact:
A negative mindset, fear-avoidance behavior, negative recovery expectations, and poor pain coping behaviors are more strongly associated with persistent pain than is tissue damage
Myth:
Pain related to exercise and movement is always a warning that harm is being done to the spine and a signal to stop or modify activity
Fact:
Graduated exercise and movement in all directions is safe and healthy for the spine
Myth:
Low back pain is caused by poor posture when sitting, standing and lifting
Fact:
Spine posture during sitting, standing and lifting does not predict low back pain or persistence
Myth:
Low back pain is caused by weak core muscles and having a strong core protects against future low back pain
Fact:
A weak core does not cause low back pain
Myth:
Repeated spinal loading results in “wear and tear” and tissue damage
Fact:
Spine movement and loading is safe and builds structural resilience when it is graded
Myth:
Pain flare-ups are a sign of tissue damage and require rest
Fact:
Pain flare-ups are more related to changes in activity, stress and mood rather than structural damage
Myth:
Treatments such as strong medications, injections and surgery are effective, and necessary, to treat low back pain
Fact:
Effective care for low back pain is relatively cheap and safe. This includes: education that is patient-centered and fosters a positive mindset, and coaching people to optimize their physical and mental health
If you are looking to become established with a local chiropractor, then join the Southern Spine Family! Your best interest will always be at the center of every decision made at our clinic.
We look forward to helping you “Feel Better. Move Better. Be Better.”
In Health,
Dr. Kolten Pedigo
Chiropractic Physician
Marion, IL
Science Sources:
O'Sullivan PB, Caneiro J, O'Sullivan K, et al Back to basics: 10 facts every person should know about back pain. British Journal of Sports Medicine Published Online First: 31 December 2019.
Qaseem A, et al. for the Clinical Guidelines Committee of the American College of Physicians. Noninvasive Treatments for Acute, Subacute, and Chronic Low Back Pain: A Clinical Practice Guideline From the American College of Physicians. Ann Intern Med. 2017;166(7):514-530.