Exercise is often prescribed as the preferred treatment for lower back pain, and walking seems like a healthy, low-impact option. Yet patients often return to their physicians complaining that their walking program has not helped—or has even made things worse.
The problem is usually not the walking itself, but the absence of other stretching and strengthening activities. This is where physical therapy comes in. We can design a program that not only relieves the constant discomfort of chronic low back pain but may also prevent it from returning.
Low back pain is often caused by poor posture, and people who stand with poor posture usually walk with poor posture as well. Therefore, starting a walking program without first addressing the issues that caused your pain in the first place is not always going to help matters. We will focus on core exercises that help strengthen the muscles around the trunk and thus help stabilize the spine. We will recommend stretching routines for the hips, legs and trunk when appropriate.
Dynamic stabilization exercises are also key for those with certain lower back problems. These build up spinal muscles necessary for good range of motion when twisting, bending and so forth. Some discomfort is normal at first, but do not get discouraged. We have been trained to distinguish “good” pain from “bad” pain and can relieve both your fears and the pain itself. Physical therapy often includes deep tissue techniques, traction and/or ice/heat therapy, followed by exercises to facilitate enhanced function.
Since lower back pain is often relatively easy to resolve through physical therapy, most patients complete their exercise program in a matter of months. Afterward, it is important to adhere to an at-home maintenance program. If you stop doing your exercises, you can lose flexibility and strength and end up back where you started. Keep on walking, stretching and ensuring that your core muscles stay strong, and you often will be able to avoid low back pain for years to come!
