New insights from clinicians challenge conventional wisdom regarding the causes of back pain. Experts suggest that factors such as mattress hardness or softness are rarely to blame, and that a rigidly held "good" posture can itself cause discomfort.
Osteopath Hannah Whitcombe notes that back pain can arise without injury, often linked to the previous day's activity levels. Both unusually active days and prolonged periods of sitting can contribute to pain. Physiotherapist Antony Bush states that office workers may sit for 12 hours daily, which is "double what we know gives people back pain."
Stress is also identified as a significant factor. Kent-based osteopath Emma Hayward explains that prolonged stress can lead to contractions in the back's connective tissue, making the body less efficient and increasing susceptibility to acute episodes. Bush adds that mindset plays a crucial role in managing chronic pain.
Furthermore, relying on MRI scans for diagnosis may be unhelpful, as findings often do not correlate with the degree of pain experienced. Neil O’Connell, a physiotherapist involved in NICE guidelines, highlights that changes seen on scans largely reflect natural ageing, similar to "wrinkles on the face."