The Most Common Back Pain Mistake I See

Lately, I’ve been seeing a lot of people making a super common mistake when it comes to back pain management.
Woman smiling with long brown hair and floral top.
Dr. Rebecca Jane-McAllister
Women practicing yoga outdoors with large exercise balls for back health.

Table of Contents

Woman smiling with long brown hair and floral top.

Dr.Rebecca-Jane McAllister

I help people with low back pain (with or without leg pain) understand and manage their pain

Did you know that muscle, nerve, and joint conditions are the leading cause of disability in Canada, with low back pain being the number one cause of disability worldwide1,2?

It’s easy enough to do but when done over and over again, it can actually lead to an increase in your back pain.

Here it is: 

I often see people who do TOO LITTLE each day in terms of daily activities and exercise, as they fear (and feel) that these tasks actually worsen their pain 3. But the problem is that the body loses fitness when it is not used, meaning that your ability becomes less and less over time, resulting in everyday life becoming more and more difficult3.

Illustration showing how poor posture and inactivity contribute to back pain over time.

Conversely, I also often see people who do TOO MUCH each day in terms of daily activities and exercise, as they are frustrated by their back pain and don’t want it to limit what they can do in their lives3. But the problem is that if you take on too much too soon all of the time, it will take longer for the body to rest and recover leading to extending your back beyond its capacity, which will also result in everyday life becoming more and more difficult3.

Instead: 

If you gradually increase your activities and can keep them within the resources at your disposal, you can gradually grow stronger so that everyday life becomes more and more enjoyable3.

Graph showing balance between physical activity and rest for back pain management.

Want help learning how much activity is appropriate for you?

I cover this (and so much more!) in the GLA:D Back Program! Join the waitlist here.

Alternatively, I can help you learn how much activity is appropriate for you in a 1:1 initial assessment. Together, we’ll go through this so that you feel comfortable and confident that you’re doing what you can to HELP your back pain in the best way possible.

I can’t wait to see you!

Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for informational purposes only. It is meant to augment and not replace consultation with a licensed healthcare provider. Consultation with a licensed healthcare provider is recommended for anyone suffering from a health problem.

References

1

Liu S, Wang B, Fan S, Wang Y, Zhan Y, Ye D. Global burden of musculoskeletal disorders and attributable factors in 204 countries and territories: a secondary analysis of the Global Burden of Disease 2019 study. BMJ Open. 2022 Jun 29;12(6):e062183. doi: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-062183. PMID: 35768100; PMCID: PMC9244680.

2

Global Burden of Disease 2010 Report. Murray et al. Lancet 2012 Disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) for 291 diseases and injuries in 21 regions, 1990-2010.

3

GLA:D Back Canada. (2024, September 10). Welcome to GLA:DTM Back – Session 2 [PowerPoint Slides]. Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alberta.

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