The Red Car Theory

This week I learnt that cabs are yellow because we see yellow more, but today we aren't talking about yellow cars, we're talking about The Red Car Theory.

Remember when your pal points out red cars are more expensive, and suddenly you start noticing red cars everywhere on the road? It's not like there are suddenly more red cars, it's just that your brain is paying more attention to them because it's something you're thinking about. That's the basic idea behind the red car theory: when something grabs your attention, you start noticing it more often.

This theory uncommonly known as the Baader–Meinhof phenomenon, also known as the frequency illusion or recency illusion.

What's the fuss about a red car theory and what does that have to do with Physiotherapy?

Three words; Low Back Pain.

As a physiotherapist working in Africa, and lately, it can seem like every other patient walking through your door is complaining about low back pain. At first, you brush it off as a coincidence, but as the days go by, the number of patients with low back pain keeps increasing. You start to wonder, why are there so many cases of low back pain?

The answer lies partly in the red car theory. This phenomenon occurs when you learn about something new, like a red car, and suddenly, you start noticing red cars everywhere. Similarly, when you start treating patients with low back pain, you become more attuned to noticing it, leading you to believe that there's a surge in cases when, in reality, it might just be that you're paying more attention to it.

It's crucial to acknowledge that low back pain is not a singular condition but rather an umbrella term encompassing a myriad of underlying causes and contributing factors. From muscle strains and ligament sprains to disc herniation, spinal stenosis, and even psychological factors like stress and anxiety, the spectrum of conditions associated with low back pain is vast.

By recognizing the complexity of low back pain as an umbrella term, healthcare professionals can better understand and effectively manage this prevalent issue within our practice.

Well, there are several factors at play to why we have so many patients with back pain. One major reason is the sedentary lifestyle that many people lead nowadays. Sitting for prolonged periods, whether at a desk job, in front of a computer, or even during long commutes, can put a strain on the lower back, leading to pain and discomfort.

Additionally, factors such as poor posture, lack of exercise, obesity, and even stress can contribute to the prevalence of low back pain. In Africa, where access to healthcare and education about preventive measures may be limited in some areas, the problem can be exacerbated.

However the red car theory isn't limited to just low back pain; it can apply to various aspects of life and healthcare. Take a moment to think about other conditions or phenomena that might exhibit this pattern. Perhaps it's a certain type of injury, a particular medical condition, or even a specific behavior. A deeper understanding of how the red car theory manifests in different contexts and how our awareness influences our perception of reality.

So, the next time you find yourself surrounded by patients with low back pain, remember the red car. While it may seem like there's a sudden surge in cases, it's essential to consider the underlying factors contributing to the issue and work towards addressing them to improve overall well-being.