Let's start this one off with the single biggest back pain myth of them all. “This isn't relevant to me! I won't get back pain.” Hate to break it to you, but if you haven't had back pain yet, there is an 80% chance you will have it at some point in your life, as 8/10 of us will experience it in our lifetime. And even if you really never do get back pain, statistically speaking four out of five of your loved ones will experience it. So yes, this is very relevant to you.

Back pain takes many shapes and forms and sometimes it is not obvious you have a serious back pain problem. Many of us will write off an ache or a little tension as “just sleeping funny” for days, weeks, months, or even years before we acknowledge that there is a serious underlying problem. And a lot of the reason for this is because we believe a number of myths about back pain.

Myth: Back pain is back pain.

Back pain is a different experience for everyone depending on who you are, what caused it, and what other problems you may have. Anything from crippling agony to a mild ache can be considered back pain.

Myth: Back pain will clear up on its own.

Back pain is not a phantom illness. It did not show up for no reason and it will not go away for no reason. Often the pain stops us from doing the very thing which caused it, and this gives the impression it went away on its own. But in reality we need to correct our behavior to avoid it happening again.

Myth: Young people don't get back pain.

Young people can and do get back pain, often just as frequently and just as seriously as older people. Because back pain can be caused by genetics, injury, or staying hunched over a desk all day, young people are more at risk than ever before.

Myth: Sitting and standing straight is the best way to prevent it.

Slouching may be a terrible idea, but sitting perfectly straight is not good for us either. In reality, simply being in the same position for too long is enough to harm the muscles, ligaments, and nerves in our backs, giving us back pain.

Myth: All back pain is injury.

Many people assume that if your back hurts, something is broken. But this is just not the case. Very often our pain is an overworked muscle or ligament, and it will heal on its own if we stop the bad behavior which caused it.

Myth: All back pain is structural.

On the other hand, some people assume that all back pain is caused by illness or stretching and can be addressed naturopathically. Sometimes back pain does come from a muscle tear or a fracture, and needs to be seen by specialists.

Myth: Lifting heavy things can injure your back.

This myth has a grain of truth in it: lifting heavy things can indeed injure you. But so can lifting light things. The key is actually in knowing how to lift safely. Powerlifters can lift enormous weights and not injure themselves because they lift safely.

Myth: If you rest, it will heal on its own.

Some back injury really can heal with a little rest. But most of the time you will need medical intervention or to stay physically active if you wish to heal properly. Resting too much may also cause muscle weakness, making your back more vulnerable in the future.

Myth: Back pain means you should take it easy with the exercise.

Many people, especially people struggling with overweight or underweight, believe that exercise causes and worsens back pain. And although exercising can set off back pain, in reality being a healthy weight and staying active will help you avoid it in the long run.

Myth: You need to support your back at all times.

Many of us bought into this and got solid mattresses, firm backed chairs, even back braces. But, like all muscles, the muscles in our backs need to work, or they will waste away. The best support for your back is... itself! Keep it strong and you will suffer less back pain.