CHALLENGING BELIEFS AROUND LOWER BACK PAIN
If you have ever hurt your back before (which 90% of us will at some stage of our lives), chances are that you have had concerned family members and friends giving you advice (with the best of intentions) about looking after your injury.
Often this may include suggestions such as “take time off work”, “rest in bed”, “avoid bending”, “avoid lifting anything”, and “stay away from all forms of exercise”. After all your back is important and you don’t want to do any more damage that could potentially harm you down the track! Sound familiar?
Unfortunately this over-cautious approach to lower back pain is causing far more harm than good throughout the general population, and can often be one of the first reasons why people develop persistent pain.
A back injury – like injuries all throughout the body – will heal in time. If you sprain an ankle, you would generally expect to be better in a few weeks, right? Well back injuries should be thought of no differently.
A positive, active approach to recovery is vital in the early stages of an acute episode of lower back pain. This means reminding yourself that you will, in fact, get better, and continuing to perform your work, daily activities and regular exercise as normally as possible.
Even if it takes going against the well-meaning suggestions of those close to you…
Chris Bryceson
B. Health Sciences (Physio), APAM
CB Physiotherapy