6 Myths About Back Pain

Back pain is one of the most common reasons people visit a healthcare professional. It affects a large percentage of people, however there’s still a lot of misinformation out there. These myths can prevent people from getting the right care at the right time.

As chiropractors, we hear these misconceptions every day, and we’re here to set the record straight. In this article, we’ll break down some of the most common myths about back pain and share advice on how you can take control of your spine health, feel better and improve your overall wellbeing. 

Myth 1: Back pain is a normal part of ageing

Fact: Just because you’re adding more candles to your birthday cake doesn’t mean you should be living with back pain. While age can bring changes to our spine and joints, or make us more susceptible to certain conditions that can cause back pain, chronic pain isn’t a normal part of getting older. In the majority of cases, back pain stems from posture issues, lack of movement, an old injury, repetitive movements, sometimes underlying conditions, not age alone.

You can proactively take steps to protect your spine and reduce discomfort. A regular exercise routine, improving your ergonomics, and chiropractic care each play a key part in keeping your back healthy, flexible, and pain-free at any age.

Myth 2: I’m physically active, so back pain won’t be a problem for me

Fact: Being physically active is brilliant for your spine, but it doesn’t always protect you against back pain. In fact, people with an active lifestyle can be just as prone to back issues, with the risk of sports injuries or overtraining.

When it comes to exercise, it’s important to train smart. Make sure to incorporate strength, stability, flexibility and core routines, take time to rest and recover, and keep on top of using proper technique to prevent strains or injuries.

Remember that fitness doesn’t fix all. A spine-friendly lifestyle also includes good nutrition, proper posture and stress management. A regular check-in with a chiropractor can also help catch something that doesn’t quite feel right before it turns into pain. 

Myth 3: I’m not in a lot of pain, so my injury must not be bad

Fact: Pain is a poor indicator of how bad an injury really is. Some of the most significant issues can start with mild or occasional discomfort, or even no pain at all. That’s because your body takes time to respond to injury, and inflammation or structural imbalances might not cause obvious symptoms straight away.

It’s not uncommon for our patients to have brushed off a ‘nagging’ ache, only to have it get worse over time. If you’re experiencing a mild ache or pain that’s persistent, it may be time to get it checked out. Early intervention can prevent minor issues from turning into long-term problems. 

Myth 4: If I have back pain, I need surgery

Fact: Between 60% and 80% of people in the UK are affected by back pain at some point in their lives. The majority of cases, however, can be resolved with non-invasive care. Surgery is typically a last resort, rather than a starting point. 

Our rule of thumb is this: start with conservative care such as chiropractic treatment, physical therapy, or guided exercises. Review medication with a professional if the former isn’t working. Consider surgery as an option if all else fails. 

If you’re dealing with back pain, don’t wait for it to get worse. Be proactive, and if you’re in doubt about something, speak to a professional for advice. 

Myth 5: Rest is the best cure for back pain 

Fact: While it might be your first instinct to hit pause and rest when your back is hurting too much, rest can actually impede your recovery. While staying in bed for back pain was a common medical model and an old wives’ tale, we know that movement is often the best medicine. 

Gentle activity helps to keep your muscles strong and promotes healthy blood flow to the spine. Prolonged inactivity, on the other hand, can cause stiffness, muscle weakening, and larger issues in the long run.

Bear in mind that this doesn’t mean you should push through intense pain during exercise. Light walking, stretching and guided exercises can be a gentle, non-invasive way to stay active. If you’re unsure what’s best for you, a healthcare professional can help build a tailored movement plan for your condition.

Myth 6: Cracking my own back is just as good as seeing a chiropractor

Fact: Many have tried it – cracking your own back can feel satisfying. But there’s a big difference between popping joints yourself and getting a professional chiropractic adjustment. 

When you twist or stretch to get that ‘pop’, you’re likely just moving joints that are already very mobile, not the ones that may be restricted and causing discomfort. Self-manipulation over time can lead to instability and further dysfunction in your body, or in more severe cases, serious injury.

In contrast, proper chiropractic treatment involves precise, targeted adjustments based on a professional assessment of your spine and nervous system and appropriate lifestyle advice. The cracking alone isn’t what you’re looking for. It’s about correcting dysfunction and improving mobility in a safe, controlled way. 

If you feel the need to constantly ‘self-crack’, it may be a sign that something deeper is going on. Make sure to get it checked out by a professional.

Separating the myths from the medicine

Whether you’re dealing with a persistent ache or want to be proactive about your posture and overall health, Anglia Chiropractic can help. Our team is committed to providing bespoke, professional care to help you move better, feel better, and get back to doing what you love. 

Have questions, or ready to take the next step? Request a callback with the team today. We’d love to support you on your journey to better spinal health.