Common Myths About Back Pain That May Not Be Helping You

sports injuries treated by our southend chiropractorAt our busy chiropractic clinic in Southend, our chiropractors treat many patients each week. Our patients come from all different types of back grounds and all different age groups. We treat the very young through to patients who are in their 80s. Whilst our patients are diverse the one thing many of them have in common is back pain.

Speaking with patients, our chiropractors often hear patients repeat common myths held about back pain. Some of the most common myths held about back pain can slow down a patient’s recovery time and some may prevent a complete recovery from back pain.

Some of the most common myths shared with our chiropractors include:

Myth #1: I didn’t think I would suffer back pain

Some patients find it surprising that they are suffering from back pain. They have fallen for the myth that back pain doesn’t happen to everyone. Unfortunately this is not the case.

Back pain is on the increase. It is highly likely that most people will suffer back pain in their lifetime. A contributory factor to the increase in incidents of back pain is the sedentary lifestyle that more and more people are living.

If you are suffering back pain then our chiropractors recommend that you seek professional medical advice from a chiropractor, GP or other health care professional.

Of course prevention is better than cure which is why our chiropractors proactively seek to educate people in ways to maintain a healthy back and help avoid back pain. The Back Story programme developed by one of leading chiropractors, Arif Soomro, provides information, segmented by age group, that will help build strength and flexibility and also increase energy levels.

Myth #2: Rest is what I need 

Many back pain sufferers fall into the trap of believing that if they rest up for a few days and give their back a rest their back pain will disappear. In many instances rest is not going to help. In fact it can make the situation worse.

Research published in the Lancet earlier this year shows that exercise and manipulation with a move away from drugs to be the most effective treatment for low back pain.

Which leads us onto the third myth …

Myth #3: I just need some painkillers

Reaching for painkillers may seem like a good option but unfortunately is unlikely to provide a long term solution to your back pain. The research published in the Lancet suggests we are over medicalising low back pain.

Perhaps one of these myths has held you back from seeking help with your back pain.

The good news is that chiropractic offers an effective, safe and gentle treatment for back pain. In addition to spinal manipulation our chiropractors at Cliffs Chiropractic provide a package of care which includes:

  • chiropractic
  • medical acupuncture
  • remedial massage
  • exercise
  • nutrition and
  • lifestyle advice

Our chiropractors aim to find the underlying cause of your back pain and provide you with a long term solution for managing your back and overall health and well being.

If you are suffering back pain or want to maintain a healthy back our chiropractors are here to help you.