Lower Back Pain Myths Busted: What Your Spine Really Needs
By Northwood Chiropractic Oxford, Littlemore
Lower back pain is one of the most common reasons people visit a doctor or take time off work. But despite how widespread it is, there’s no shortage of misleading advice out there. At Northwood Chiropractic Oxford, we use the precise and proven Gonstead method to help our patients in Littlemore and the wider Oxford area get to the root of their pain—not just mask it.
Let’s take a look at some of the most common myths about lower back pain—and what your spine really needs.
Myth 1: “Just Rest—It’ll Heal On Its Own”
When back pain strikes, it’s tempting to take to the sofa for a few days. While short-term rest can be helpful during an acute flare-up, prolonged inactivity often delays recovery and may actually worsen the issue.
The spine is a dynamic structure made to move. In the Gonstead system, we focus on specific, hands-on adjustments that restore normal alignment and motion to the affected vertebrae—helping the body heal faster and more efficiently than rest alone.
After a thorough assessment, we not only provide precise in-office care but also guide our patients with personalised advice on safe movements, mobility exercises, and posture correction. Proper movement promotes circulation, reduces inflammation, and supports long-term healing. Joints are designed to move—staying still for too long can do more harm than good. Of course, moving while in pain can feel daunting, which is exactly where we step in. At Northwood Chiropractic Oxford, we help patients regain pain-free mobility and get back on the road to better health.
Myth 2: “Cracking Your Back Yourself Is Harmless”
We get it—it can feel satisfying. But that satisfying "pop" you’re chasing often comes from joints that aren’t the problem. Worse still, habitual self-manipulation can destabilise the spine over time.
Unlike general or random cracking, Gonstead chiropractic care involves precise analysis using X-rays, palpation, and motion testing to determine exactly which vertebra needs adjustment. We never guess—we assess.
Instead of self-cracking, focus on mobility exercises and let a qualified Gonstead chiropractor deliver safe, targeted adjustments to the joints that actually need it.
Myth 3: “Surgery Is The Only Long-Term Option”
Spinal surgery should be a last resort, not a first step. Yet too often, people are rushed toward invasive procedures when more conservative options haven't been fully explored.
Many cases of chronic or severe lower back pain stem from vertebral misalignments that disturb the nervous system’s function. Through specific Gonstead adjustments, we aim to correct the root issue, not just the symptoms
Our goal at Northwood Chiropractic is to help you avoid surgery wherever possible by restoring your spine’s natural alignment and allowing the nervous system to function optimally. We've helped many patients return to an active, pain-free life without going under the knife.
What Your Spine Really Needs
✅ Assessment, Not Assumption: Every spine is unique. That’s why the Gonstead method relies on in-depth analysis to create a care plan tailored to your body.
✅ Targeted Adjustments: No guesswork—just specific corrections based on solid evidence.
✅ Long-Term Support: We empower you with lifestyle, ergonomic, and movement advice to support spinal health outside the clinic.
Ready to Bust the Myths and Heal Your Spine?
If you’re dealing with persistent lower back pain, don’t settle for myths or temporary fixes. At Northwood Chiropractic Oxford, we’re here to help you take a natural, proven path to recovery—right here in Littlemore.
Book your consultation today and discover what your spine really needs.
