You need to increase flexibility to protect your back

6 myths about lower back pain, busted

Leading experts weigh in on the myths about lower back pain, what’s really going on and the best approaches to help your aching back heal

By Jane Langille

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Myth 5: You need to increase flexibility to protect your back

“Statistically, those who have more range of motion in their back have a greater risk of back disorders in the future, so having a flexible back is not protective, in fact, it’s the opposite,” says McGill. Muscles in your arms and legs are designed for movement, but the structure of the spine and skeletal muscles are different; they are designed to provide stability.