Back Facts: Debunking the 10 Most Common Myths About Back Pain
Myth 1: Low Back Pain (LBP) is usually a serious medical condition.
Fact: LBP is not a serious life-threatening condition.
Myth 2: LBP will become persistent and deteriorate in later life.
Fact: Most episodes of LBP improve and LBP does not get worse as we age.
Myth 3: Persistent LBP 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 4: Scans are always needed to detect the cause of LBP.
Fact: Scans do not determine prognosis of the current episode of LBP, the likelihood of future LBP disability, and do not improve LBP clinical outcome.
Myth 5: 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 health for the spine.
Myth 6: LBP is caused by poor posture when sitting, standing, and lifting.
Fact: Spine posture during sitting, standing and lifting does not predict LBP or its persistence.
Myth 7: LBP is caused by weak “core” muscles and having a strong core protects against future LBP episodes.
Fact: A weak core does not cause LBP, and some people with LBP tend to overtense their “core” muscles. While it is good to keep the trunk muscles strong, it is also helpful to relax them when they aren’t needed
Myth 8: 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 9: 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 10: Treatments such as strong medications, infections and surgery are effect, and necessary, to treat LBP.
Fact: Effective care for LBP is relatively cheap and safe. This includes: education that is patient-centered and fosters a positive mindset, and coaching for people to optimize their physical and mental health.
Reference: O’Sullivan PB, Caneiro JP, O’Sullivan K, et al. Br J Sports Med 2020;54:698–699.
