Back pain? The best treatment is movement! The 7 most common myths

The best treatment is movement!

Studies show that 80% of people will experience back pain at some point in their lives. But is back pain always serious? Not necessarily! The spine is not as fragile as we often think.

Whether it's a sudden blockage after a wrong movement or chronic discomfort, back pain tris not a life sentence. There are effective back pain treatment — often simple and accessible.

As a physiotherapist, I help people every day to relieve their back pain. Over the years, I’ve noticed that many persistent myths still influence how people manage their pain. Here are the 7 most common misconceptions I hear... and why it’s time to let them go!

1. “If I have back pain, I should rest.”

Not necessarily! A bit of rest (1 to 2 days) may help after an acute episode, but it’s crucial to regain mobility as soon as possible.Targeted exercises can actually speed up recovery. Gentle movement from the start is often the key.

2. “I have back pain, so I need to stop exercising.”

That’s a mistake! While certain sports may need to be paused for a short time, physical activity is essential in treating back pain. It can even be beneficial — cycling, swimming, yoga, Pilates…Even running, often blamed, may actually have a protective effect on spinal discs. No sport is forbidden — it’s all about adaptation, consistency, and enjoyment.

3. “My back hurts because I’m too arched.”

Your spine’s natural curve (lordosis) is normal and protective. It’s not a deformity and, on its own, it’s not a cause of pain.There’s no reason to fear your natural posture.

4. “My back pain is inflammatory.”

Not always. Sudden or sharp pain is usually mechanical, not inflammatory. Inflammatory conditions (like ankylosing spondylitis or rheumatoid arthritis) are much less common and have specific signs.

5. “My back pain is caused by arthritis or osteoarthritis.”

As we age, our spine changes — just like our skin develops wrinkles. These changes, often visible on scans or X-rays, don’t always cause pain. It’s possible to have arthritis without pain… and pain without anything showing on imaging!

6. “Humidity or drafts cause my back pain.”

While some people feel more discomfort with weather changes, there’s no solid scientific proof that cold, damp weather or drafts actually cause back pain. It’s a widespread belief, but no study has shown that a breeze triggers a back spasm.

7. “Spinal manipulation is the best treatment for back pain.”

Manipulations can offer short-term relief, but they’re not enough on their own. Long-term improvement relies on movement, education, and empowering the patient. The goal? For you to become an active player in your own recovery.