Important Facts About Back Pain

Back pain is super common, most of us will experience it at some point in our lifetime. It can be extremely debilitating and often quite distressing.

Should I get an MRI?

In most cases, no. There are few certain indications that would warrant a scan, but in most cases it is almost always unhelpful. Why? Because you can frequently see ‘abnormal findings’ and these may have little if anything to do with your pain. We know this because these same ‘abnormal findings’ are seen in pain free populations. What happens however is people worry, become fearful and attach themselves to these ‘diagnoses’ which makes recovery more challenging. (ex; I’ve been diagnosed with a slipped disc from my scan..)

Is my spine out of alignment?

Unless you have experienced a significant trauma, chances are your spine is aligned exactly how it should be. Most people aren’t aware that your back is SUPER strong. It can handle hundreds of kilos before it breaks (very strong!), and is also designed to move in all sorts of different directions and ways.

Is my back pain just because I’m getting older?

I hear this one ALL THE TIME. Generally, no. We actually see less prevalence of back pain as people get older than 50. Back pain is most common between the ages of 30 and 50.

Do I need surgery?

With the exception of medical emergencies, generally speaking most surgical interventions should be considered as a last resort: following a committed course of conservative care that fails to achieve desired outcomes/goals. Sometimes, surgery is warranted. That decision ultimately should be based on detailed surgeon-patient discussion, using proper surgical indications, considering duration of symptoms, risk-benefit analysis (an operated on spine is not a new spine) and patient wishes.

If your back has been giving you some grief come in for a chat – I’d love to help you out!

Article by Jeremy Granger – Physiotherapist