Article Rundown

• What is “non-specific back pain”?
• Why are so many cases labeled as “non-specific back pain”?
• The problem with diagnosing back pain as “non-specific”
• How to get specific with back pain and feel better!

Challenging the Myth of “Non-Specific” Back Pain

Have you ever been told that 85% of back pain cases are classified as “non-specific”? Has a clinician or coach given you this vague diagnosis? A quick Google search reinforces this claim, suggesting that most back pain has no identifiable cause. But what does “back pain” even mean? Saying you have back pain is as ambiguous as saying your leg hurts. Where does it hurt? What aggravates it? What alleviates it?

The reality is that back pain has countless potential causes. Labeling it as “non-specific” is often a way to avoid conducting a thorough assessment to pinpoint the root issue. In this video, I explore the truth behind “non-specific” back pain and provide insight into how you can navigate your unique case.

The Complexity of Back Pain

Before diving in, I want to acknowledge the complexity of back pain. I’ve experienced it firsthand. I understand the psychological toll it takes and how debilitating it can be. Chronic low back pain is mentally exhausting, impacting both well-being and the perception of pain. I see this regularly in my professional practice.

Back pain is rarely caused by a single issue. Instead, it often stems from multiple contributing factors affecting different areas of the spine, the central nervous system, and the peripheral nerves that innervate nearly every tissue in the body—bone, ligaments, tendons, fascia, skin, and more. A proper diagnosis requires a detailed assessment—something most so-called back pain specialists fail to provide. Instead, whether due to lack of understanding, time constraints, or outdated approaches, they default to the dismissive label of “non-specific” back pain. While this may not be intentional, the result is the same: no real assessment, no clear answers.

Why the “Non-Specific” Label is Misleading

Many of the individuals I work with have suffered from back pain for decades. Some have seen 20 different clinicians without receiving a clear diagnosis. The claim that “85% of back pain is non-specific” is something I fundamentally disagree with.

What does “non-specific” even mean? Is the pain related to the bones, ligaments, soft tissue, discs, nerves, or a combination of these factors? Precision matters. The idea that back pain appears without a specific cause is simply untrue. Every case has a trigger—whether an injury, nervous system dysfunction, inflammatory disease, imbalance, or movement pattern issue. Dismissing it as “non-specific” does a disservice to those seeking real solutions.

In my practice, I have worked with countless individuals who were given this diagnosis, only to identify specific pain triggers through movement assessments and imaging in our very first session. This reinforces my belief that “non-specific” back pain is often just a reflection of inadequate assessment practices.

The Importance of a Thorough Assessment

The statistic that 85% of back pain cases lack a clear cause suggests that many healthcare providers struggle to identify the underlying issue. But how thorough was their evaluation? Did they spend hours assessing movement patterns, testing positions, and identifying pain triggers? Or was it a 20-minute consultation with a few basic questions before concluding that the pain was “non-specific”?

Back pain can arise from an endless combination of factors—birth defects, past injuries, poor posture, muscle imbalances, and even psychological stress. Stress, anxiety, and depression can exacerbate pain by altering posture and movement mechanics, as well as the way the brain perceives pain. For instance, individuals suffering from depression often adopt a hunched posture, increasing spinal pressure and contributing to chronic discomfort. Even without disc damage, inflammation and stress on surrounding tissues can generate significant pain.

In my practice, every client with so-called “non-specific” back pain undergoes a comprehensive evaluation. By the end of our session, we always identify specific pain triggers—proof that their condition was never truly “non-specific.” In reality, the claim that 85% of back pain is “non-specific” simply reflects the fact that 85% of patients have never received a proper, detailed assessment.

What Is A Thorough Assessment?

A thorough evaluation should include:

• A comprehensive patient history and interview
• Physical examinations
• Imaging (when necessary)
• Movement assessments to identify pain triggers
• An understanding of the patient’s goals

Additionally, posture, loading patterns, and movement mechanics should be analyzed to determine what worsens or alleviates the pain. With this level of assessment, the percentage of “non-specific” cases would drop significantly. No one experiences back pain without a reason.

Finding the Right Professional for Back Pain

While I understand why some clinicians use the term “non-specific,” it often stems from inadequate evaluation methods. General doctors, surgeons, chiropractors, and physical therapists each have their expertise, but a comprehensive back pain assessment requires a specialist—someone who understands the intricacies of movement, neurology, and musculoskeletal function.

Back pain is never truly “non-specific.” With the right professional and a detailed evaluation, finding the true cause is not only possible—it’s expected. If you’re interested in learning more about my approach to comprehensive back pain assessments, you can find more information [HERE].

BRIAN DOES ONLINE AND IN-PERSON COACHING!

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