A recent publication from some of the world's foremost back pain experts included 10 facts for everyone to know. There's a snazzy infographic below...

ALL of these myths and facts are part of the content that BackPain.online gives to its users.

Let's go through them:

Myth 1: LBP is usually a serious medical condition.
This is simply not the case. Most often it is not!

Myth 2: LBP will become persistent and deteriorate in later life.
Again, not true. Most back pain settles and does not get worse as we age.

Myth 3: Persistent LBP is always related to tissue damage.
It isn't! Having a negative mindset, displaying fear-avoidance behaviour, having negative recovery expectations, and poor pain-coping behaviours are more strongly associated with persistent pain than tissue damage.

Myth 4: Scans are always needed to detect the cause of LBP.
They're not. They don't determine the prognosis of back pain, predict future episodes, nor do they improve clinical outcomes.

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.
Wrong. Carefully managed exercise and movement in all directions is safe for the spine.

Myth 6: Low back pain is caused by poor posture when sitting, standing and lifting.
Nope, sorry, it isn't. There are better predictors of low back pain - see myth number 3!

Myth 7: Low back pain is caused by weak 'core' muscles and having a strong core protects against future LBP.
Sorry - this one is really wrong. Weak cores do not cause back pain, and more often, people with back pain are overusing those muscles. While strong muscles are better than weak, they also need to relax when required.

Myth 8: Repeated spinal loading results in ‘wear and tear’ and tissue damage.
It doesn't! When performed sensibly, spine loading helps strengthen the spine and build resilience.

Myth 9: Pain flare-ups are a sign of tissue damage and require rest.
Not necessarily. Flare-ups are more related to changes in activity, stress and mood than structural damage.

Myth 10: Treatments such as strong medications, injections and surgery are effective, and necessary, to treat LBP.
Nonsense. Effective care for LBP is relatively cheap and safe. It should include patient-centred education that fosters a positive mindset, and coaching people to optimise their physical and mental health. Patients should be encouraged to engage in physical exercise, social activities, healthy sleep habit, controlling body weight, and remaining in employment.

So there you have it. 

If you need help putting these myths and answers into practice, BackPain.online is PERFECT for you. 

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Reference: O'Sullivan PB, et al, Br J Sports Med, 2019. Available here.