Back pain information is confusing and sometimes a complete lie. The problem with the internet is that anyone (including me) can start up a web site and say whatever they like. However, I can’t!

As I am a registered health care professional, I must abide by the rules that govern my profession. I am a trained Chiropractor, have done post-graduate training in natural health, Homeopathy, Acupressure and a few other modalities.

If I want to retain my license, I cannot lie.

There are so many myths about back pain and everyone will tell you half-truths and some no-truths. So I decided to demystify some of the back pain realities. Here goes…

Myth: Most back pain is caused by a slipped disc.

Fact: Only 1 to 3 percent of back pain results from herniated, or slipped, discs.

You will see many sites tell you that they can help discs, and that disc injuries are a “common” cause of back pain. This is plainly not true. Less than 3 in every hundred people with back pain have disc issues.

Myth: Most back problems eventually require surgery.

Fact: Fewer than one person in 1,000 with back pain will need surgery.

The fear of surgery is one of the biggest reasons people seek help. After all who wants to end up “under the knife”.

Myth: Everyone with back pain will need an MRI.

Fact: In certain cases, MRI is very useful in diagnosing back pain. However, not everyone with back pain needs this test. Also, MRI is not a treatment for back pain.

Remember, your spine is a moving object. MRI’s will only show gross changes, they will not indicate any distortion patterns or poor movement.

Myth: Everyone has low back pain. It’s something that has to be endured until it becomes disabling.

Fact: Some 6.5 million Americans are treated for back pain each day.

Although there are many with back pain, knowing how to remove all the causes will remove all your back pain. Learning to maintain a healthy spine is your next step in making sure you remain pain free. Early intervention is the key, taking action now is just as important.

Myth: Only people who do heavy labor or much lifting suffer intense low back pain.

Fact: Up to 90 percent of adults experience back pain at some time in their lives.

Lifting, falls and injuries according to research are not common causes of back pain. Research has shown, the injury that people claim started their back pain, was not enough force to cause any pain at all.

They have shown it is the accumulation of “micro-injuries” over time creates pain. It is a build up of tension in other words. Your stress levels, energy levels and even your general health are just as likely to lead to back pain as lifting a heavy object.

This is why you need to take an approach to back pain that does not just rely on one or two techniques. Most back pain “self help” is focused on stretching and exercise. To remove all the causes you need to correct joint imbalances, ease stress and improve your overall health if you want long term back pain relief.

This may sound time consuming or difficult. In fact it need only take a few minutes each day to achieve great long standing back pain relief. All you need to do now is take action and remove your back pain.