Myths
Twelve repeated claims, checked against the literature.
3 guides · updated 4 Oct 2026 · every claim sourced
Posture myths
Common beliefs about posture and back pain, checked against research: slouching, the perfect posture, posture correctors, MRI scans, bed rest and 10,000 steps.
2 min read · Moderate evidenceMore in Myths
Does slouching damage your spine?
Slouching is not proven to damage the spine or cause back pain. What the research shows, why long static positions matter more, and what to do instead.
2 min readMythWill an MRI explain my pain?
An MRI often finds disc bulges and wear, but these are common in people with no pain. Why a scan rarely explains back pain and when it is actually useful.
2 min readAbout this topic
Many beliefs about posture and back pain are repeated so often they sound like facts. This section checks the common ones against the research: that slouching damages your spine, that there is one correct posture, that an MRI will show what is wrong, that posture correctors fix posture, that rest is the cure and that you need exactly 10,000 steps. Each myth page explains where the belief comes from, what the evidence actually shows and what to do instead. The pattern across them is consistent: the spine is robust, no single posture is correct, and movement, strength and time matter more than shape.
- Strong consistent results from trials and reviews
- Moderate good studies, some gaps
- Limited few or small studies
Coming soon
Guides we are writing for this topic.