Low Back Pain

• August 2, 2022
• Clifton Hill Physiotherapy
• no comments

Low back pain is a very common condition with up to 80% of the population experiencing back pain at some time during their lives. Although the cause back pain is usually not serious, we know it can be persistent and it can cause considerable distress.

Most back pain will improve with simple advice, rest and time. Your physio can help keep you strong and moving to prevent LBP as well as help you on a path to recovery when that pain is not going away.

Here are some common myths around low back pain:

Myth 1: Moving will make back pain worse

Do not be scared to move. You need to find your starting point to move and keep moving which actually helps relax muscles and can help your pain. Sometimes you need to see the Dr or physio to help find what is right for you.

Myth 2:  Avoid exercise with low back pain

Studies have found that continuing to exercise can improve your outcomes. Your activity may need to be modified but exercise is an essential part of recovery

Myth 3: X-rays  and scans will tell us what is wrong.

It may be a surprise to learn that scans do not match up (correlate) well with pain. We all have changes show on x rays even in our 20s and 30s, but this does not always mean damage and a source of pain. It is important to look at the whole person and how their symptoms present and behave.

Myth 4: Your pain equates to damage in the tissues

We now have plenty of cool science that debunks this myth. Our pain is influenced by so many factors including work, stress, past experience, duration of symptoms and cultural issues. These are more relevant than normal age-related changes  on your scan.