Back Pain Myths

MYTH 1: 
If you have a slipped disc (also known as a herniated or ruptured disc)  you must have surgery.  Surgeons agree about exactly who should have surgery.

FACT:
90% of all herniated discs heal without surgery.  Surgeons often disagree about who should have surgery.

MYTH 2:
X-ray and newer imaging tests (CT and MRI scans) can always identify the cause of pain.

FACT:
For 85% of people with back pain, doctors are unable to determine a precise cause of the pain, even with scans and/or x-rays.

MYTH 3:
If your back hurts, you should take it easy until the pain goes away.

FACT:
People who stay active after a back injury (even in the face of discomfort) do significantly better than those who stop all activity.

MYTH 4:
Back pain is usually disabling

FACT:
Although the pain can sometimes be severe, it is rarely disabling.

MYTH 5:
Most back pain is caused by injuries or heavy lifting.

FACT:
Over half of the people with back pain develop it gradually without a specific injury.

MYTH 6:
Everyone with back pain should have a spine x-ray.

FACT:
X-rays rarely help a doctor treat a patient with back pain more effectively.  In fact, only one time in 2,500 will an x-ray change a doctor's treatment decision. 

MYTH 7:
Bed rest is the mainstay of therapy.

FACT:
Bed rest causes rapid deconditioning which can make a person more susceptible to developing a chronic problem.  Scientific research demonstrates that those who remain at least somewhat active after an injury do better than those who rest in bed.