Back pain myths

STOP SMOKING Yes, smoking kills, but any link to back pain is unproven, so stopping won’t make a jot of difference.

STICK TO ONE ERGONOMIC POSTURE What’s good posture for one person isn’t necessarily good for another.

DITCH THE HIGH HEELS There is no evidence that high heels cause back pain.

DON’T TAKE PAINKILLERS Rather, take the minimum needed to relieve pain.

GET FIT Fitness hasn’t been scientifi cally linked to reduced back pain.

GET BED REST On the contrary, many medicos consider this option unhelpful.

AVOID EXERCISE Experts suggest you keep moving as much as possible.

UNDERGO PHYSIO, ACUPUNCTURE OR MASSAGE The jury’s out on all three.

HAVE YOUR SPINE MANIPULATED Does more harm than good.

STRENGTHEN YOUR CORE The efficacy of core exercises is in dispute.