When working with athletes of all levels, low back pain (LBP) is extremely common. Although LBP is one of the most researched topics in healthcare and sports, misinformation about its causes, prevention, and management is everywhere. Fortunately, the British Journal of Sports Medicine has done an excellent job summarizing 10 myths and 10 facts about LBP, all backed by science.
🔴 Common Myths About Low Back Pain:
❌ LBP is usually a serious medical condition.
❌ LBP will get worse with age and become persistent.
❌ Persistent LBP always means tissue damage.
❌ You always need a scan to find the cause of LBP.
❌ Pain during exercise means you’re harming your spine.
❌ Poor posture causes LBP.
❌ Weak core muscles are to blame for LBP.
❌ Spinal loading leads to ‘wear and tear’ and damage.
❌ Pain flare-ups signal tissue damage and require rest.
❌ Medications, injections, or surgery are necessary for LBP treatment.
✅ What Science Actually Says:
✔️ LBP is not a life-threatening condition.
✔️ Most episodes improve, and it doesn’t get worse with age.
✔️ Psychological factors (like fear-avoidance behaviors) play a bigger role in persistent pain than tissue damage.
✔️ Scans don’t predict recovery or improve outcomes.
✔️ Graduated movement and exercise in all directions are safe and beneficial.
✔️ Posture does not predict or cause LBP.
✔️ A weak core isn’t the problem—some people with LBP even over-tense their core.
✔️ Gradual spinal loading builds resilience.
✔️ Pain flare-ups are more linked to stress, activity levels, and mood than structural damage.
✔️ The best treatments are education, movement, healthy habits, and staying active.
💡 The takeaway? Low back pain is common but rarely serious, and movement—not fear—should guide recovery.
References
O’Sullivan PB, Caneiro J, O’Sullivan K, et alBack to basics: 10 facts every person should know about back painBritish Journal of Sports Medicine 2020;54:698-699.
