Blog · Video
Back pain myths Seven common beliefs about rest, scans, injections and surgery
The most common back pain myths are that you should rest in bed, that pain always means damage, that an MRI shows exactly what is wrong, that a “bad back” lasts forever, that injections only mask pain, that radiofrequency treatment is surgery, and that surgery is where everyone ends up. In fact, most back pain improves with staying active and exercise, scan findings are common in people without pain, and many people with long-lasting pain are helped by targeted, non-surgical treatment without ever needing an operation.
Almost everyone has advice about back pain, and much of it is out of date. Some beliefs make people move less, worry more or put off care that could help. Here are seven of the most common back pain myths, and what a back pain doctor would tell you instead. For the full range of lower back pain treatment we offer, see our lower back pain page.
Seven back pain myths, and what is actually true
Myth 1: “Rest in bed until it stops hurting”
For most new back pain, staying gently active helps you recover faster than bed rest, and long rest makes the back stiffer and the muscles weaker. Short walks, changing position often and gentle exercise are better. A day or two of taking it easy is fine; a week in bed is not. Our lower back pain exercises are a good place to start.
Myth 2: “If it hurts, I am damaging my back”
Pain is a warning signal, but in long-lasting back pain it often reflects a sensitive back rather than new damage. Mild discomfort during exercise that settles afterward is normal and safe. The exceptions are pain after a serious fall or accident and the red-flag symptoms listed below, which do need prompt care.
Myth 3: “My MRI shows exactly what is wrong”
Bulging discs, disc wear and arthritis show up on scans of many people with no back pain at all, and they become more common with every decade of age. That is why a physician matches the scan to your symptoms and exam rather than treating the report. Words like “degeneration” on a report usually describe normal wear; see lumbar spondylosis for what they mean.
Myth 4: “Once you have a bad back, it is bad forever”
Most episodes of back pain improve within weeks, and even long-lasting back pain often gets much better with the right plan. Flare-ups can come back, but strength, fitness and knowing how to handle a flare make them shorter and milder. If pain has lasted months, our guide to chronic back pain treatment explains the options.
Myth 5: “Injections just mask the pain”
A well-chosen injection does more than numb pain. An epidural steroid injection places anti-inflammatory medicine next to an irritated nerve root, and a numbing test block can confirm exactly where the pain comes from. The first and third videos show injections placed into the lower back with live X-ray guidance, so the needle goes precisely where it is needed. An injection works best as a window to exercise more, not as the only treatment. Read more about back pain injections and fluoroscopy-guided injections.
Myth 6: “Radiofrequency treatment is a kind of surgery”
Radiofrequency ablation is a needle procedure, not an operation. After a test block confirms that the small nerves from the facet joints carry the pain, a heated needle tip quiets those nerves. There is no incision and people go home the same day. The second video shows the needles being placed under X-ray and the radiofrequency equipment being set up. Relief often lasts many months, and the treatment can be repeated if the nerves recover. See facet joint pain for who it suits. Pain procedures are performed at all three offices, and your physician explains where and when yours will be scheduled.
Myth 7: “Sooner or later, I will need surgery”
Only a small share of people with back pain ever need an operation. Surgery is considered for specific problems, such as severe nerve compression with weakness, or pain that still limits daily life after a good trial of other treatment. For most people, a plan that combines exercise, physical therapy at our Brooklyn and Staten Island offices and, when needed, targeted procedures works without surgery. Our guide on how to fix lower back pain without surgery covers the non-surgical options in order.
When back pain does need prompt care
Go to an emergency room or call 911 for back pain with loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness in the groin or inner thighs, or sudden leg weakness. See a physician soon for back pain with fever, unexplained weight loss, a history of cancer, or after a significant fall or accident. Book a visit if pain is not improving after a few weeks, or spreads down a leg with numbness or tingling. A back pain doctor can sort out what is really going on.
More videos on non-surgical back pain treatment
More clips from our YouTube channel @precisioncaremedical showing radiofrequency treatment and X-ray-guided injections for the lower back.
Related care at Precision Care Medical & Sports Performance
A back pain doctor near you
Looking for a back pain doctor near me who will explain your scan in plain English? For back pain treatment in Brooklyn, Ashley Marcus, MD sees patients at our Brooklyn pain management office on Shell Rd, convenient to Midwood, Bensonhurst, Manhattan Beach and Marine Park. For a back pain doctor on Staten Island, Jake Stephen, DO sees patients at our Staten Island pain management office, near Dongan Hills, Oakwood and South Beach. Both offices also have physical therapy on site.
For a back pain doctor in Midtown East, Yuri Gordin, MD sees patients at the Precision Care Spine & Pain Center in Midtown Manhattan, 150 E 55th St, easy to reach from Midtown, the Financial District, Washington Heights and Spanish Harlem. Physical therapy is not offered at the Manhattan office. Bring your MRI or X-ray report. Request an appointment or call the office closest to you.
150 E 55th St, Suite 401, New York, NY 10022
(212) 840-0135
Questions patients ask
Is bed rest good for back pain?
Usually not. For most back pain, staying gently active, with short walks and gentle exercise, helps you recover faster than bed rest. Long rest tends to make the back stiffer and weaker.
Does a bulging disc on my MRI explain my pain?
Not always. Bulging and worn discs are common on scans of people with no pain. A physician matches the scan with your symptoms and exam before deciding what is causing the pain.
Do back pain injections just cover up the pain?
A well-chosen injection can calm an irritated nerve or confirm where pain comes from. It works best as a window to exercise and rebuild strength, as part of a wider plan.
Is radiofrequency ablation surgery?
No. It is a needle procedure done with X-ray guidance, with no incision, and people go home the same day. It quiets the small nerves that carry pain from the facet joints.
Will I need back surgery eventually?
Most people with back pain never need surgery. It is considered for specific problems, such as severe nerve compression with weakness, after other treatment has been tried.
Where can I find a back pain doctor near me?
Precision Care Medical & Sports Performance physicians see patients in Brooklyn at 2781 Shell Rd, Suite 101, (718) 648-1234, on Staten Island at 1630 Richmond Rd, Suite 101, (718) 339-7100, and in Midtown Manhattan at 150 E 55th St, Suite 401, (212) 840-0135.
Educational only, not medical advice. These videos and this article explain common problems and treatments in general terms. They are not a diagnosis or a treatment plan for you. Results vary from person to person. See a qualified clinician about your own symptoms, and call 911 or go to an emergency room for an emergency.
More videos and articles on the Precision Care Medical & Sports Performance blog