Why “wear and tear” is probably the wrong message — and what to say instead
If you still explain low back pain using “degeneration” or “wear and tear”, this episode will change how you communicate with patients.
Why do patients struggle to understand chronic low back pain, even when clinicians explain it accurately? In this episode, we examine how pain science communication can enhance clinical outcomes in rehabilitation.
What you’ll learn
- Why imaging findings often don’t match symptoms
- How “wear and tear” language increases fear and avoidance
- What to say instead (based on pain science)
- How to use neuroimaging evidence in clinical practice
Clinical relevance
Especially useful for:
- Physiotherapists working with persistent pain
- Clinicians who use imaging to explain pain
- Professionals wanting to improve patient communication
Take-home message
Imaging changes are common and often normal — they don’t automatically explain pain. What you say matters as much as what you find.