A Clear Guide by Masnad Health Clinic
Back pain is one of the most common reasons Australians seek physiotherapy care. In fact, most people will experience back pain at some point in their lives. When pain strikes, it can be frightening, frustrating and disruptive to work, sleep and daily activities.
Unfortunately, back pain is also surrounded by myths and outdated beliefs that can actually slow recovery or make symptoms worse. With improved research and clinical understanding, health professionals now know that many long-held ideas about back pain are inaccurate or misleading.
Myth #1 - Discs Can “Slip” Out of Place
One of the most common phrases people hear when they have back pain is that a disc has “slipped”.
The spine is made up of vertebrae, with soft discs sitting between them. These discs act as shock absorbers and allow movement. Despite the name, discs are actually very strong and securely attached. They do not slip in and out of place.
What can happen is:
- A disc may bulge
- A disc may degenerate with age
- In some cases, a disc may tear
Importantly, many people have disc bulges or degeneration visible on scans without any pain at all. Imaging findings do not always explain symptoms.
Believing that something in your spine is “out of place” can cause fear, stiffness and guarded movement, which often leads to more pain and ongoing dysfunction.
Myth #2 – If You Have Low Back Pain, You Should Stay In Bed
When back pain strikes, our natural instinct is to rest, avoid movement and wait for the pain to pass. However, studies have shown that being active and performing targeted and gentle exercises can help improve low back pain. In fact, our impulse to stop moving and protect our spines can actually cause abnormal movement patterns and stress, leading to ongoing pain after the original injury has healed. If you are unsure of what kind of exercises you should be doing, your physiotherapist can help guide you with a targeted exercise program.
Myth #3 - Severe Pain Means Severe Damage
Back pain can be intense, sudden and frightening. Many people assume that severe pain must mean serious damage.
In reality, the spine is surrounded by a highly sensitive nervous system. Even small issues such as:
- Muscle strains
- Ligament sprains
- Joint irritation
can cause significant pain, especially in the early stages.
Often, pain settles significantly within days or weeks. When pain lasts longer than expected, it is frequently due to changes in movement patterns, muscle guarding and nervous system sensitivity rather than ongoing tissue damage.
Myth #4 - Imaging Is Always Needed to Diagnose Back Pain
X-rays and MRIs can be useful in certain situations, but most back pain does not require imaging.
Scans often show “abnormalities” that are completely normal age-related changes and not the cause of pain. Unnecessary imaging can increase anxiety and lead to over-treatment.
A thorough physiotherapy assessment is often more helpful than imaging alone, especially in the early stages.
Myth #5 - Back Pain Will Keep Getting Worse With Age
Ageing does not automatically mean increasing back pain.
Many people remain active, strong and pain-free well into later life. Regular movement, strength training, good posture and early management of pain episodes play a huge role in long-term spine health.
Physiotherapy focuses on keeping you moving well, not avoiding activity.
How Physiotherapy Helps Back Pain
Physiotherapy plays a vital role in both acute and chronic back pain management. Your physiotherapist will:
- Identify the source of your pain
- Assess posture, movement and strength
- Address muscle imbalances and stiffness
- Provide education to reduce fear and improve confidence
- Design a personalised exercise program
Treatment may include manual therapy, targeted exercises, movement retraining, and advice on work, lifting and daily activities.
FAQs
No. Gentle movement is usually better than prolonged rest.
Not always. Most cases can be assessed without imaging.
Yes. Targeted exercise and education are highly effective.
Yes, when guided by a physiotherapist.
If pain lasts more than a few days, worsens, or limits daily activities.
