Joints
Osteoarthritis: why exercise is the first treatment
Osteoarthritis affects 528 million people. What the WHO and World Physiotherapy say about exercise, weight and the wear-and-tear myths.
Back pain
Back pain: 7 myths and what is actually true
Many ideas about back pain make people more afraid and slow their recovery. World Physiotherapy dedicated World Physiotherapy Day 2024 to low back pain. These are the main points.
Myth 1: It hurts a lot, so I must have seriously damaged it
Back pain is rarely linked to serious damage, and most people make a good recovery. More pain does not always mean more damage.
Myth 2: I need a scan
Scans rarely show the cause of back pain. Disc bulges, disc wear and arthritis are common in people with no pain at all, especially as we get older.
Myth 3: I should rest in bed
Taking it easy for the first days can help, but long rest leads to more pain, slower recovery and more time off work. Light exercise and a gradual return to normal activities work better.
Myth 4: Bending and lifting will wear out my back
Your spine is strong and built to move and carry load. Backs get healthier with movement. Feeling a little sore after exercise usually means your body is adapting.
Myth 5: It is my posture and weak core
There is no single perfect posture; changing position often is best. Back pain is not caused by a weak core, and core exercises are no better than general exercise such as walking.
Myth 6: My disc slipped and needs putting back
Discs do not slip and your back does not go out of place. Surgery and injections are very rarely the answer. Exercise and self-management work as well, with less risk.
Myth 7: I need strong painkillers
Strong painkillers do not speed up recovery. Simple painkillers should be used for a short time, alongside exercise rather than instead of it.
When to get help
See a physiotherapist or doctor if the pain is not easing after 2 to 3 weeks, is getting worse or stops you doing normal things. See a doctor straight away if you have bladder or bowel problems, numbness or weakness in your legs, a fever, or if you are over 50 with a history of cancer and new pain without a clear reason.
See how we treat it at the clinic: Back pain and sciatica
Sources
- World PT Day 2024: information sheets World Physiotherapy
- Low back pain, fact sheet (19 June 2023) World Health Organization
This article gives general information and does not replace an examination by a doctor or physiotherapist. If you have symptoms, talk to your doctor or book an assessment.
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