I often hear people tell me about how they have a bad back, and how it “runs in their family.” I’m happy to inform you that back pain is NOT genetic!
That’s right – back pain is NOT genetic
Pain in your back can be caused by a variety of factors, which may include:
- Lifting mechanics
- General posture
- Physical trauma
- Emotional manifestation
- Certain diseases and conditions such as cancer, osteoporosis, and many more
Unfortunately when people believe they are doomed to having pain because one or both of their parents did, this becomes a self fulfilling prophecy.
If you believe you were born with a “bad back,” you will probably develop pain in your back
The power of belief is a very real thing. Have you ever felt completely fine, looked down at your hand, and noticed you’re bleeding? What happens after that? You suddenly start to feel stinging and pain. Before you knew you cut yourself, you felt completely fine. This is because pain is our body’s alarm system. It’s supposed to protect us from doing foolish things like say, smashing our fingers with a hammer – or stepping on a nail. Our body wants to protect us from damaging itself.
Notice I said protect us from damage – because pain isn’t always a sign of damage.
I’m not trying to say that belief alone is enough for back pain prevention. It has a lot to do with how you move, what activities you participate in, how your desk is set up at work, etc. My point is that I have seen many patients who developed pain because they had a simple muscle irritation, or poor body mechanics during their chosen sport, or just anything very explainable. These patients truly believed they had pain because it was genetic and they were doomed to develop it.
I hope this information is liberating
Some people may read this and feel frustrated. I promise, I am not trying to diminish your pain. I’m just letting you know that this pain is usually treatable. You are not doomed. I am also writing this to let you know that if your parents have back pain, it is not an indicator that you will develop it as well. Back pain is not genetic.
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