7 Common Back Pain Myths

Nearly 80% of Americans experience back pain at some point in their lives, the majority of whom experience recurring back pain. However, this statistic does not have to be you. Misconceptions about back pain and proper treatment for it contributes to the prevalence of ongoing back pain and overspending on diagnostic tests, MRIs, medication, and surgery that can be avoided in most cases. Today, we debunk 7 myths about back pain and explain how physical therapy can help you manage chronic back pain.

Myth 1: The problem is my spine. 

Fact: Back pain can be caused by various issues both in your body or in your environment. For example, the way that you move when you exercise, how you sit at work, the shoes you wear and mattress you sleep on, or the way your body compensates for movement limitations can contribute to back pain. Back pain does not mean you have a “bad back” or issue with your spine. 

Myth 2: Low back pain is caused by inflammation.

Fact: While inflammation can occur in some patients with back pain, the majority of low back pain is caused by mechanical issues. Most cases of low back pain respond well to mechanical physical therapy treatments, such as stretching, stabilization exercises, posture education, and aerobic conditioning.

Myth 3: I just need an “adjustment” for my back pain. My back went “out” and it just needs to be “put back in.”

Fact: Only 10% of back pain cases actually benefit from spinal mobilization. When you go to a chiropractor to have your spine “adjusted” or cracked, you may experience temporary relief from the release of endorphins; however, it will not provide long-term relief.

If you are told that your back is out of alignment and needs popped back in, beware. A spine that is truly out of alignment should be stabilized, not mobilized and manipulated. A physical therapist will evaluate if you do have spinal alignment issues and refer to the appropriate specialist if there is a serious spinal misalignment. You may experience soft tissue displacement that can make you feel like your back is out of alignment though it is not. Exercise therapy is a credible and effective treatment for low back pain and long-term relief.

Myth 4: Narcotics, surgery, and expensive injections are inevitable with back pain.

Fact: Seventy-five percent of low back pain cases do not need narcotics, surgery or injections to be healed completely; it can actually be more damaging if not prescribed correctly. In a study of 900 patients with back pain who were bound for surgery, 80% were able to avoid surgery by completing high-skilled physical therapy.

Use of narcotics and injections to manage back pain are not long-term solutions for chronic back pain and lead to unnecessary expense. Only 4 to 8% of patients with back pain can and should be successfully treated with surgery. The majority of back pain patients will find relief and long-term back pain management through skilled physical therapy and a customized exercise program.

Myth 5: Bed rest is always the answer.

Fact: Prolonged bed rest can actually worsen your condition and slow your recovery. Resting for a few days after an acute episode of pain is fine, but light exercise is recommended. Walking, stretching, and swimming are beneficial and can accelerate healing without exacerbating your back pain. A program of gradual safe exercise can limit your back pain.

Myth 6: Exercise can cause back pain.

Fact: Just the opposite! Not exercising can make it more likely you will experience back pain. Exercise strengthens your abdominal and back muscles, which in turn support and stabilize your spine. Thirty minutes of exercise daily is recommended. Back injuries are in fact more common in “weekend warriors”—individuals who are inactive all week and binge-exercise on the weekend. Gradually introducing safe movement and returning to activity after an episode of back pain is critical to successful recovery.

Myth 7: Degenerative, herniated, or bulging discs need to be surgically repaired.

Fact: Degenerative discs in the back are very common; while an MRI may show degeneration of the spinal discs, that does not automatically mean that that is the source of your back pain. Many have degenerative discs as they age with no pain.

As you age, spinal discs can weaken and herniate or rupture, which causes the disc to leak. This can irritate the surrounding nerves and contribute to back and leg pain. However, 90% of those with a ruptured or herniated disc that experience back pain improve on their own. Bulging discs are also a common part of aging and do not present a major medical problem. Pain from degenerative, bulging, herniated, or ruptured discs can be managed and relieved through physical therapy.

Physical therapy can help you manage chronic back pain by strengthening the muscles and joints that support the spinal cord. Physical therapy also treats inflammation, addresses movement dysfunction that may contribute to back pain, re-educates your nervous system to be less sensitive to pain signals, and helps you learn to move and perform daily activities without aggravating your back pain.