Low Back Pain is Normal

Non-specific low back pain (NSLBP) is as common as the common cold.  It is also just as serious, meaning – it is not.

NSLBP is common back ache that cannot be readily attributed (is not specific) to some other serious cause like a cancer.  Over the last several decades many anatomical structures have been linked to the cause of NSLBP, including disc abnormalities, muscle strains, and muscle spasms, to name a few.  All these anatomical sources or causes of the pain have been debunked.  But not before thousands of unsuspecting patients submitted to costly and harmful interventions promised to “fix” them.

NSLBP is usually a self-limiting problem.  This means it will go away, no matter what is done.  I have been heard saying “if you rub peanut butter on your knee, it will go away” (this will occur in about 2/3 of patients in 6 weeks or less).  The common cold is likewise self-limiting.  And like NSLBP it is highly likely going to occur again, only to go away again.

Nortin Hadler, MD, in his book “The Citizen Patient” describes NSLBP this way: 

Everyone gets backaches – often and repeatedly through life.  Most cope so well that the episodes are not even memorable, despite the fact, that they always present challenges to function.

Sadly, many sufferers seek care, and the NSLBP becomes “medicalized” (turning it into something specific, when it is not) and the clinician offers up remedies based on their specific training, not based on need.  The chiropractor provides manipulation, the physical therapist stretching and abdominal strengthening or core stabilization, and the physician offers pain medication and muscle relaxants.

Unfortunately, those that seek their physicians help are often removed from work, despite overwhelming evidence this is counterproductive. Despite mountains of evidence that remaining active and working, even in pain, is not harmful, and highly likely helpful patients are often advised to avoid doing things that “hurt” until their back heals1.  This advice despite no evidence of a structure needing protected and time to heal?  Patients are commonly advised to avoid lifting and twisting.  They often tell me that turning over in bed causes them significant pain, but no one ever advises them not to go to bed.

So basically, once one enters the healthcare system, they are likely to be offered or subjected to unproven remedies and harmful advice2!  Costly and potentially harmful interventions for something that will go away anyhow.