Back pain is a widespread condition stemming from many origins. It can impact a person in so many ways…running, walking, sitting, golf, and much more. Pain can be manifested as stiffness, tightness, sharp, shooting, achy, tired, and the list goes on. Depending on your symptoms, the most common ‘back pain’ diagnoses are:​

• Sciatica
• Disc Herniation
• Spinal Stenosis
• Muscle Strain
• Sacro-iliac Joint Dysfunction

But what REALLY does the diagnosis tell you?

A diagnosis is simply a way to categorize a cluster of symptoms that a group of people present with. For example, if you have more pain sitting than standing, or pain with bending, you will likely be diagnosed with a ‘disc herniation’. The diagnosis simply gives the medical professional a big picture of what your symptoms are.

Many people who get MRIs and have been ‘diagnosed’ with one of the above diagnoses are under the impression that their life after their MRI or given diagnosis should be different. They believe that their spine health is dictated by what their MRI showed or what diagnosis they were labeled with. This is simply not the case.

The truth behind back pain is this…

Most people’s MRIs are not necessarily consistent with their symptoms. Many people who experience back pain have a clean MRI which shows no abnormalities. And many people with an MRI that shows significant changes, have NO symptoms.

Many people also think that because they have a ‘disc herniation’ or ‘spinal stenosis’ or ‘sacro-iliac joint pain’, they should not be doing certain things.
 “Maybe I shouldn’t run because I might make my sacro-iliac joint pain worse?”
“I stopped doing deadlifts because I didn’t want to make my disc herniation worse.”
“I can’t go to the movies because my sciatica bothers me.”

Don’t let your diagnosis rule what you do and what you don’t. There is an answer, and you can get help.

The simple truth is this:
People don’t get injured because of what they do. They get injured for doing things that they aren’t PREPARED to do.

Running too much too soon, lifting too heavy without building up, spending 4 hours helping a friend move, etc.

The best thing you can do to help your back pain is to prepare your body for doing the things you wish to do in your life. Prepare yourself physically for the challenges you may face. You may need some guidance along the way and we’re here to help if you need it!