10 facts about low back pain

There's a lot of noise circulating about low back pain and how/where it originates. This can usually translate to a lot of misinformation about myths. Here are ten facts that will hopefully help dispel the false information:

1. Low back pain is not a serious life threatening medical condition

2. Most episodes of low back pain improve and does not get worse as we age

3. A negative mindset as well as fear avoidance behaviors are more closely associated with persistent pain than is tissue damage

4. Scans do not determine prognosis or improve clinical outcomes

5. Graduated exercise and movement in all directions is safe for the spine

6. Spine posture during sitting or standing does not predict low back pain or its persistence

7. A weak core does not cause low back pain

8. Spine movement and loading is safe and builds structural resilience when it is graded

9. Pain flare ups are more related to changes in activity, stress, and mood rather than structural damage

10. A first line of defense against low back pain should not necessitate medication.