Sandy Crest Medical Centre - Health Tips

<<return to Health Tips index

Lower Back Pain (LBP) Myths and Facts - Part I

Myth: LBP is harmful or can cause permanent harm.

Fact: Very rarely will LBP result in permanent disability. After returning to work and normal activity it is normal to feel some pain.

Myth: Feeling depressed and withdrawing from social activities is okay when you have LBP.

Fact: You should do as many of your normal activities as your pain allows. It is important to keep active and do things with friends and family.

Myth: I can hardly move. Something must be seriously wrong with me.

Fact: Many persons suffering with LBP believe that something MUST BE seriously wrong especially if the pain is severe. In greater than 98% of cases there is no serious cause for your LBP.

Myth: If I just take it easy for a week or two and rest in bed, the pain will go away.

Fact: Resting in bed is not helpful and can actually make your back pain worse over time. Stay as active as possible, even if moving around is painful. This will help you feel better sooner.