Understanding Back Pain: 9 Essential Facts You Need to Know

I’ve been doing a ton of research on back pain since I’ve been writing a book aimed at helping people deal with lower back issues.

I’ve gone through over 50 research papers at this point.

The biggest issue I come across with lower back pain clients is that they have too many false preconceived notions about how back pain works, creating unnecessary fear that’s unfortunately fed into by many health professionals.

Here are some interesting findings to help ease your mind and clarify some myths about lower back pain and disc herniations.

1. The leading cause of disc herniations is your genetics (So blame your parents, not your posture or lifting technique)

2. There is no evidence that lifting with a flexed spine causes more risk of disc herniations

3. But there is evidence that NO LIFTING is a greater risk for disc herniations

4. Only 6% of disc herniations occur with heavy lifting

5. Repetitive loading and lifting create positive adaptations in your spine and disc to keep them healthy

6. The majority of lower back pain cases (and disc herniations) heal on their own without the need for surgery

7. Surgery showed greater symptom relief in the short term, but non-operative treatments show greater results in the mid and long term

8. Patient education, self-management, exercise therapy, and neural mobilization showed the greatest treatment effect for lower back pain

9. In order to maintain improvements, you need to maintain your strength and mobility work regardless of whether or not you choose surgery

Which finding did you find the most surprising? How many traditional beliefs does the research challenge based on what you’ve experienced?

I hope this clears some things up.

To your good health,

Coach Stephen

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P.S.

Whenever you’re ready, here are a few additional ways that I may be able to help you.

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