The 3 Most Common Mistakes People Make When Dealing with Back Pain (And What to Do Instead)

Anthea Holder – Chiropractor, Burwood East

The 3 Most Common Mistakes People Make When Dealing with Back Pain (And What to Do Instead)

Meet Sarah. She’s a busy professional and a parent, juggling work deadlines and family responsibilities. One morning, she wakes up with a dull ache in her lower back. She ignores it, thinking it will go away on its own. A few weeks later, the pain worsens. Now, she’s relying on painkillers and heating pads just to get through the day. Eventually, she starts avoiding certain activities altogether. Sound familiar? If you’ve ever dealt with back pain, you may have fallen into the same traps as Sarah. But here’s the good news—there’s a better way.

Let’s explore the three most common mistakes people make when dealing with back pain and what you can do instead to support long-term healing and relief.

Mistake #1: Relying on Painkillers Instead of Addressing the Root Cause

Painkillers might provide quick relief, but they don’t fix the underlying issue. Whether it’s ibuprofen, paracetamol, or even stronger prescription medications, these only mask the symptoms without addressing what’s causing the pain in the first place. Worse, long-term use of painkillers can lead to side effects like digestive issues, liver strain, and even dependency.

The Better Solution: Chiropractic care focuses on identifying the root cause of back pain, whether it’s spinal misalignment, muscle imbalances, or lifestyle factors. By realigning the spine and improving nervous system function, chiropractic adjustments can help reduce pain naturally. Additionally, incorporating an anti-inflammatory diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, leafy greens, and turmeric can further support healing from within.

Mistake #2: Avoiding Movement for Fear of Worsening the Pain

It’s understandable—when your back hurts, resting seems like the logical solution. While some rest is necessary during acute flare-ups, prolonged inactivity can make things worse. Immobility leads to stiffness, muscle weakness, and even more pain over time.

The Better Solution: Gentle movement is key. Chiropractic care combined with specific exercises can help restore mobility and strengthen the muscles supporting your spine. Low-impact activities like walking, swimming, and yoga can improve circulation, reduce stiffness, and promote healing. A movement plan tailored to your needs can make a huge difference in your recovery.

Mistake #3: Ignoring Posture and Daily Habits

Many people don’t realize how much their daily posture and habits contribute to their back pain. Whether it’s slouching at a desk, lifting incorrectly, or sleeping in awkward positions, poor posture places unnecessary strain on the spine.

The Better Solution: Becoming mindful of your posture and ergonomics can prevent chronic pain. Chiropractic adjustments help realign the spine, but it’s equally important to reinforce these improvements with good daily habits. Sitting with proper lumbar support, adjusting your workstation to promote better ergonomics, and practising core-strengthening exercises can all contribute to lasting relief. Additionally, staying hydrated and consuming a nutrient-dense diet supports spinal health by keeping discs and connective tissues well-nourished.

Conclusion: A Smarter, Safer Way to Heal Your Back Pain

If you’ve been relying on painkillers, avoiding movement, or neglecting your posture, it’s time for a new approach. Chiropractic care offers a natural, effective way to address back pain at its source—without the risks of medication or surgery. By combining spinal adjustments with movement strategies and nutrition-based healing, you can get back to doing what you love, pain-free.

If you’re ready to take control of your back pain in a way that’s safe, natural, and truly effective, I’d love to help. Book a consultation today, and let’s create a plan tailored to your body’s needs!

 

Dr. Anthea Holder
Chiropractic and Functional Nutritional Therapy Practitioner in Burwood East

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