Debunking Back Pain Myths: Why Your Spine Is Stronger Than You Think

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Strong woman doing exercise

Your spine is resilient

Many people think of their backs as weak and fragile — but that’s a myth! The human spine is actually incredibly strong and resilient. It’s built to handle significant compressive forces, absorb shock, and strike a perfect balance between flexibility and stability.

Movement is Medicine — Even With Back Pain

Experiencing back pain? That doesn’t mean you need to rest or stop moving. In fact, staying active is one of the best things you can do. Pain is complex and influenced by many factors — it doesn’t always reflect damage to tissues. That means hurt doesn’t always equal harm. Gentle activities like walking, stretching, or light exercise can help calm the nervous system and reduce pain.

Back Pain Isn’t About Posture, Age, or a “Weak Core”

Here’s another surprise: poor posture, aging, or core strength alone don’t cause back pain. We see countless individuals with so-called “bad posture” or even significant disc bulges on MRI who experience no pain at all. Persistent pain often has more to do with how our brain interprets threat and stress — not just structural issues. Understanding these neurological contributions is key to managing long-term back pain.

Learning, Growing, and Helping You Heal

This past weekend, our team attended a module of the Advanced Neuro Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy (ANMS)course, focusing on the lower back and sacroiliac joint. We’re always expanding our knowledge to support you better.

If you’re struggling with back pain or simply have questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch at info@westcoastphysio.co.za. Let’s start your journey back to doing the things you love!

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Ironman-Cara Smith