Exercise can be a very effective way to relieve chronic back pain. That said, it is absolutely crucial that you talk to a doctor before starting an exercise program. If you’re experiencing back pain, then something is wrong, and exercise done improperly could actually make it worse. Your doctor may also refer you to a sports medicine doctor or physical therapist to discuss precisely which exercises would benefit you, and give you instruction in how to do them safely.
Stretching
The exercises most likely to be recommended to you for chronic back pain involve stretching. Specific yoga positions and other stretches may be recommended to lessen the back pain. Again, because some yoga positions can cause a strain to some bodies, it is important to get qualified advice – not from a yoga teacher, but from a doctor or physical therapist.
A complete yoga program has the additional benefit of reducing tension, stress and your reaction to stressful situations. Since chronic stress often contributes to chronic back pain – and can even be the entire cause of back pain – reducing your stress response can help reduce back pain. As the stretching exercises improve your back muscles, you will become both physically and mentally more able to fend off stress.
You may also discover the chronic back pain has been causing you some depression. We are unable to feel out most positive when we’re in constant pain.
Cardio exercise
If you’re significantly overweight, especially if you’re carrying the weight in your abdomen, losing weight will also help your back. The extra weight you carry around is a burden on your back muscles. Low impact cardio (aerobic) exercise will help you burn off fat with virtually no risk of injury to your back (no more than you risk by simply going about your normal daily activities). Cardio also helps strengthen muscles in the legs, which are tightly connected with the back muscles.
Activity and rest
While being too sedentary can cause back pain (sitting at a desk all day is terrible for the back), you do need plenty of quality sleep and rest to reduce your back pain. Make it a priority to get enough sleep at night, and make it a priority to get some exercise during the day.
Filed in Exercise
Updated: October 19, 2010
Copyright: October 29, 2010
