Reconsider Your Beliefs and Attitudes to Overcome Low Back Pain

Low back pain is one of the most misunderstood conditions in healthcare. Many people assume their pain is the direct result of structural damage such as a disc problem, poor posture, or a fragile spine. Modern research tells a very different story. Your beliefs, expectations, and attitudes toward pain strongly influence how intense it feels, how long it lasts, and how well you recover.

When misconceptions take over, recovery slows down and pain can persist long after tissues have healed.

Why beliefs matter in low back pain

Pain is not a simple signal of damage. It is a protective response produced by the nervous system, influenced by context, fear, past experiences, and understanding of the condition. When pain is interpreted as dangerous, people tend to restrict movement, become hypervigilant, and avoid normal activities.

This protective behaviour reduces physical capacity and reinforces pain sensitivity. Over time, the problem becomes less about the spine itself and more about how the body and brain interact.

Reframing beliefs is therefore a key part of recovery.

Common misconceptions that slow recovery

Posture is not the main cause

Poor posture is often blamed for low back pain, but scientific evidence does not support a direct link between how you sit or stand and long term pain. Human spines are adaptable and tolerate a wide range of postures.

What matters more than posture is variability. Staying in one position for too long, even a so called good posture, can increase discomfort. Regular movement and flexibility are far more important than maintaining a perfect alignment.

Your back is strong, not fragile

Many people believe their back is weak or damaged and needs constant protection. In reality, the spine is a robust structure designed to bend, twist, lift, and absorb load.

Avoiding movement out of fear reduces strength, stiffness tolerance, and confidence. This makes everyday activities feel harder and more threatening, even when tissues are healthy.

Building trust in your back is essential for recovery.

Movement supports healing

It is common to fear that movement will worsen pain. In most cases, the opposite is true. Gentle and progressive movement improves circulation, restores mobility, and reduces nervous system sensitivity.

Movement sends a powerful message of safety to the brain. When introduced appropriately, it helps pain settle rather than escalate.

How physiotherapy helps change the pain cycle

Modern physiotherapy does more than treat symptoms. It helps you understand your pain, challenges unhelpful beliefs, and guides you back to confident movement.

Through education, reassurance, and progressive exercise, physiotherapy reduces fear and restores normal activity. This approach addresses both the physical and neurological aspects of pain, which is essential for long term improvement.

Taking action starts with understanding

Recovery from low back pain often begins with a shift in perspective. Understanding that pain does not automatically mean damage allows you to move with confidence rather than fear.

With the right guidance, most people can return to normal activity, regain strength, and reduce the risk of pain becoming chronic.

Conclusion

Low back pain is rarely a sign that your spine is broken or fragile. Beliefs, attitudes, and fear driven behaviours play a major role in how pain persists. By rethinking these assumptions and reintroducing safe movement, recovery becomes faster and more sustainable.

Online physiotherapy consultations are available worldwide, providing structured and evidence based care wherever you are. I also receive patients in person at my studio in Phnom Penh. This combined approach ensures clarity, reassurance, and a clear path back to confident movement.

I provide structured and evidence-based online physiotherapy for patients worldwide, offering clinical assessment, diagnosis, and personalised rehabilitation.

I also receive patients in person at my physiotherapy clinic in Phnom Penh.

You can begin your online physiotherapy session through the dedicated platform:

https://www.studiohealthon.com/online-physiotherapy

More information on clinical standards and supporting evidence is available here:

https://www.studiohealthon.com/online-physiotherapy-clinical-evidence

Yannick Sarton, MSc Physiotherapist

International Online Physiotherapy & In-Clinic Care, Phnom Penh