Your back is killing you, and the last thing you want to do is exert yourself. Unfortunately, for most cases of back pain, lying around in bed can only make the problem worse. Numerous studies have shown that exercise improves back pain, and the more regularly you engage in physical activity, the better. Exercise also alters and improves patients’ attitudes toward their disability and pain.
Exercise also increases naturally pain-relieving endorphin levels.
Yoga, pilates and tai chi involve slow, smooth, strengthening movements great for those with back pain. These workouts also include core, balance and stability work, which are particularly helpful for back pain sufferers.
If you suffer from chronic low back pain, we can design an exercise program that keeps in mind the limitations and special needs of back pain and addresses your individual health situation. Even the safest forms of exercise can be detrimental if you do not understand the mechanics of your particular injury, so your best bet is to work with us for a successful outcome.
No matter what the cause of your pain, strong, flexible muscles can protect the spine from further injury and help maintain function. While there is no single form of exercise that will cure back pain, certain types may be particularly beneficial.
- - Stretching exercises can help alleviate pain. A stretching program may work best when combined with strengthening exercises.
- - Strengthening exercises that target the “core” abdominal muscles, as well as those in the buttocks and hips, aid in proper back alignment, improve posture, increase function and help you avoid further injury.
Low-impact aerobics, such as walking, stationary cycling and swimming (but not the butterfly and breast stroke, which put further stress on the lower back), are all gentle, easy and safe ways to improve your general physical condition.
- - Raising your heart rate with aerobic exercise also increases naturally pain-relieving endorphin levels.
- - Yoga, pilates and tai chi involve slow, smooth, strengthening movements great for those with back pain. These workouts also include core, balance and stability work, which are particularly helpful for back pain sufferers.
If you suffer from chronic low back pain, we can design an exercise program that keeps in mind the limitations and special needs of back pain and addresses your individual health situation. Even the safest forms of exercise can be detrimental if you do not understand the mechanics of your particular injury, so your best bet is to work with us for a successful outcome.