Your back is killing you, and the last thing you want to do is move around. Unfortunately, for most cases of nagging 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.
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. These muscles aid in back stability, improved posture, increased function and help you avoid further injury.
- Low-impact aerobics, such as walking, stationary cycling and swimming, 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.
Even the safest forms of exercise can be detrimental if you do not understand the mechanics of your particular injury. Your best bet is to work with a qualified Physical Therapy for a successful outcome.
We can design an exercise program that keeps in mind the limitations and special needs of back pain and addresses your individual health situation.
A controlled, gradual, progressive exercise program distributes nutrients into the discs and soft tissues in the back. This helps to keep the discs, muscles, ligaments and joints healthy.
Don’t wait for pain to go away on its own! Click below to request an appointment at one of our 19 Northern Virginia clinics.
Did you know that Physical Therapy can help you feel better?
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