Debunking 5 Back Pain Myths: What You Need to Know for Lasting Relief

There’s a lot of misinformation out there about back pain. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), nearly 620 million people globally suffered from low back pain in 2020, which is expected to rise to 843 million by 2050. As a leading cause of disability worldwide, back pain affects not just physical health, but also productivity, healthcare costs, and mental wellbeing. For many, the mental toll can be even more debilitating than the pain itself.

Despite its prevalence, several myths continue to circulate about treating and managing back pain. In this article, we’ll debunk five of the most common misconceptions and provide insights to help you better manage this widespread condition. 

Myth 1: Surgery is the only option for chronic back pain.

Many people think that chronic back pain, especially from issues like degenerative disc disease or herniated discs, always means surgery is necessary.

Truth: Surgery isn’t the only solution. Many people find relief through non-invasive methods. Studies show that devices like the Posture Pump® Dual Deluxe Full Spine Model 4100-D can help rehydrate discs and improve spinal alignment, relieving pain without surgical risks.

Research has found that a significant percentage of spinal surgeries, such as spinal fusion, are often recommended without clear evidence of their necessity. A 2023 study in Frontiers in Surgery indicated that at least 50% of unnecessary spinal surgeries could be avoided with more thorough evaluations. Many procedures, like spinal fusion for degenerative disc disease, provide no greater benefit than non-surgical treatments when it comes to pain relief or patient satisfaction. Author Khaled AlAli notes that after careful evaluation, surgery is deemed unnecessary in at least 80% of cases–an observation echoed by respected spine surgeons globally.

While surgery may be required in some cases, many can be managed effectively at home with just a daily 5 to 15-minute session using Posture Pump®, offering a cost-effective alternative to surgery.

Myth 2: Complete rest is the best way to heal back pain.

It’s easy to think that resting and avoiding movement is the best way to heal.

Truth: In reality, complete rest can make back pain worse, particularly for chronic issues. Movement is key to healing. Gentle, controlled motion—like what you get from Posture Pump® products—helps decompress and hydrate spinal discs, promoting recovery while preventing the stiffness that can come from being inactive.

A Cochrane review found that staying active results in better pain relief and faster recovery for people with acute low back pain compared to complete bed rest. Those advised to stay active reported significant improvements in pain and function, as prolonged inactivity can lead to muscle stiffness and slow down recovery. 

Myth 3: Only older adults suffer from back pain.

Many believe that back pain is an issue for the elderly or those in physically demanding jobs.

Truth: Back pain can affect anyone, regardless of age. Poor posture, sedentary lifestyles, and stress all contribute to back pain in younger individuals. Rates of chronic back pain in millennials are on the rise, largely due to sedentary habits and poor posture from excessive screen time. The Posture Pump® Dual Deluxe Full Spine is a great way to counteract the daily strain on your spine, helping to manage and prevent long-term issues like tech neck. 

Myth 4: Painkillers are the best way to manage back pain.

Many people rely on pain medication, believing it’s the best or only solution to back pain. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, approximately 2.3 million people in the U.S. have an opioid use disorder (UOD) related to prescription opioids. Not everybody with chronic back or neck pain takes an opioid prescription, of course. Millions more rely on non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to relieve pain. 

Truth: While medications may offer temporary relief, they often only address symptoms rather than the underlying causes, such as poor posture and dehydrated discs. Their effectiveness can diminish over time. Non-invasive solutions like Posture Pump® help realign the spine, reduce disc compression, and provide lasting relief without the dependency risks associated with long-term medication use.

In a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) study, one damaged cervical spine was compared to another that had undergone a five-minute session with Posture Pump®. The MRI showed that Posture Pump®’s patented Expanding Ellipsoidal Decompression (EED®) technology significantly increased the subarachnoid space, which reduces pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. This improvement helps with the circulation of cerebrospinal fluid, reduces inflammation, and enhances healing–especially for conditions like herniated discs or spinal stenosis. 

Myth 5: If it hurts, I must be doing something wrong.

It’s common to think that any discomfort means you should stop what you’re doing.

Truth: Some discomfort can be part of the healing process, especially when starting a new treatment. Using the Posture Pump® may cause mild soreness at first as your spine adjusts–similar to post-workout soreness. This is normal and usually fades as your body realigns and becomes more mobile. With regular use, you’ll soon enjoy the benefits of improved posture and hydrated discs.

Finding Relief: The Potential of Posture Pump®

Back pain can be confusing, but it can be effectively managed with the right knowledge and tools. Posture Pump® products have helped countless individuals avoid surgery and experience real relief. One satisfied customer shared in a testimonial that they were considering surgery for their back pain but experienced significant improvement after using Posture Pump®. This is just one of many success stories–over 3 million Posture Pump® units have been sold, and healthcare professionals across the country recommend them to their patients. We’re confident Posture Pump® can help you take control of your back pain and get back to living an active, fulfilling life. Try Posture Pump® today with our 60-day return policy.

References:

World Health Organization. (2023, June 19). Low back pain. WHO. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/low-back-pain.

Alhashash K. Unnecessary spine surgery: Can we solve this ongoing conundrum? Frontiers in Surgery. 2023. doi:10.3389/fsurg.2023.1270975.\

Hagen KB, Jamtvedt G, Hilde G, Winnem MF. The updated Cochrane review of bed rest for low back pain and sciatica. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 2005 Mar 1;30(5):542-6.

American Society of Anesthesiologists. “Many Back Pain Patients Get Limited Relief from Opioids and Worry About Taking Them, Survey Shows.” American Society of Anesthesiologists, 23 Oct. 2016.