The Most Common Myths About

Back Pain

You've Been Told By Doctors, Friends and Social Media That Keep You In Pain and Taking Pills

If you’re over 40 and have back pain, chances are you’ve heard it all before. From friends and family to doctors, everyone has an opinion about back pain and how best to treat it. Unfortunately, many of these opinions are outdated myths that could actually be making your back pain worse.

Here are some of the most common back pain myths our patients have been told which has actually made their back pain and sciatica much worse, and delayed their recovery from injuries.

MYTH #1 - BED REST IS THE BEST WAY TO TREAT BACK PAIN

Many people believe that back pain can be treated by simply resting in bed. But this is not usually a long-term solution for common back pain problems, like sciatica or lower back pain. Bed rest may help on the rare occassion help back pain go away, but it won’t fix the problem long-term. In nearly all cases, it will come back again, and often gets worse the more time passes. That’s why you need to get expert help to address the root cause of your back pain, so you aren’t trapped continually treating the symptoms.

MYTH #2 - YOU SHOULD ALWAYS TAKE MEDICATION FOR BACK PAIN

I’m sure you’ve heard the saying “You get old and stiff”, implying that back pain and sciatica is just part of the natural progression of life and getting older. But after working with lots of people in the 50s, 60s and beyond who are enjoying a very active life, this is not true. Instead, I prefer to go by the saying, you get stiff then you get old! Because this myth is so ingrained within our society, you’re often told to slow down, work out less, and ease up on your sports and hobbies as you get older. This approach leads you to becoming weaker, stiffer, and unable to do the things you did 10 years ago. However, if you keep moving, you keep your body and muscles stay lubricated and loose so that you can feel strong, and mobile, and continue doing those activities that you love, even when society is telling you you should be calling it quits.

MYTH #3 - BACK PAIN IS A PART OF GETTING OLD

Back pain isn’t a part of getting old, and the vast majority of people don’t have to manage pain for the rest of their lives. I’ve worked with people in Hartlepool suffering from back pain for over 15 years and seen full recoveries despite patients having years (even DECADES) of constant back problems.

MYTH #4 - SCIATICA CAN ONLY BE TREATED WITH SURGERY

Surgery isn’t the only treatment option for sciatica, and many back pain sufferers are finding relief through natural pain relief solutions. Physiotherapy is a proven, and safe way to give you relief from sciatica pain without the risk of surgery.

MYTH #5 - STRETCHING WILL CURE YOUR BACKACHE

This is why you’ve not got results from the stretches you’ve been given by your doctor, or seen on YouTube – you’re not doing them right, or they aren’t the right exercises for you. It’s also important not to push yourself too hard during a stretch as this can cause more harm than good. Ensure you warm up first and always consult a qualified physiotherapist or medical practitioner before attempting any new stretches or exercises. Doing so will help ensure your safety and increase the chances of successful recovery from back issues.

MYTH #6 - YOUR AGE DETERMINES HOW MUCH BACK PAIN YOU EXPERIENCE

Over the years, I’ve worked with patients who have overcome back pain in their 50s, 60s, and beyond, becoming far more mobile and being able to live an active, pain-free life. Your age might give you a higher chance of aches and pains, but that does not mean that you have to accept back pain in later life.

MYTH #7 - BACK PROBLEMS CANNOT BE TREATED WITHOUT DRUGS

This simply isn’t true – and I appreciate how frustrating it can be when someone tells you that the only way to relieve back pain and sciatica is by taking powerful drugs. A lot of patients come to me because they are desperate for a life without reliance of pills, and they’ve heard success stories from friends and family members who’ve achieved natural pain relief and improve their mobility for their back. With a variety of drug-free treatment options including massage, stretches, exercises, acupuncture, orthotics, and simple lifestyle improvements, back pain is often drastically reduced, if not completely eliminated.

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The Most Common Myths About

Back Pain

You've Been Told By Doctors, Friends and Social Media That Keep You In Pain and Taking Pills

Are You Upset, Unsure or Even confused About these myths that people you trusted have told you - Which have probably led to more back pain?

Get Your Free Copy Of This Report, Written by Hartlepool's Back Pain Expert, Paul Gough

Want Help To Decide If Physio Is Right For You?

FREE Discovery Session

Request A Call Back

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