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Back pain TRUTHS

16/12/2024

After last week’s post with unhelpful untruths about back pain I thought we should look at some solid truths:

Back Pain Is Very Common and Very Rarely Dangerous

  • Almost everyone will experience back pain at some point in their life. It doesn’t tend to affect one specific age group more than others, and therefore, should not be seen as an inevitable part of aging or simply “wear and tear.”

  • Most people recover relatively quickly, though some may experience repeated episodes of pain. While recurring pain can be distressing and debilitating, it is rarely dangerous.

You Can Have Back Pain Without Injury or Damage

  • Traditionally, pain has been viewed as a sign of injury or damage. While some episodes of back pain can be linked to a sudden or excessive load, it often isn’t, and the intensity of back pain can be influenced by many factors, most of which are NOT strutural:

    • Physical: muscle guarding or tension

    • Psychological: fear of causing further damage

    • Health: being tired, stressed, or rundown

    • Lifestyle: poor sleep or low physical activity

    • Social: issues in work or home relationships

  • These factors can all increase the intensity of pain, even in the absence of actual damage.

Exercise Is Good for Back Pain

The amount of exercise is more important than the type. Aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity per day, as this has numerous health benefits, including reducing the risk of developing back pain in the first place!

Need a little more guidance on the specifics, or help getting out of pain? I’m more than happy to sort you out! Book in here.