Exercise to Reduce Back Pain
Posted: Thursday, March 05, 2009
by Jonathan Blood Smyth
Proper exercise can significantly reduce the back pain many patients experience. Although the idea of working out whilst in pain seems to be counter-productive, gentle movement can reduce pain in the long run. Please note that before beginning any form of exercise routine, a patient should consult their physician. It is important to understand how your body will respond to exercise and know your individual limits.
Simple exercise routines help to tone and maintain the core muscles located around the spine. These muscles support the spine and reduce nerve pain. A strong core strengthens the spine and provides additional flexibility. Core exercises reduce pain and help to prevent discomfort in the future. A strong core and spine may also help to prevent common injuries that can prove to be fatal for older patients.
Exercise helps you to learn to manage your own pain. Patients suffering from chronic pain may find this hard to believe, but it has been proven to be true. Exercise teaches patients how to manage, and sometimes overcome, their pain. Back pain sufferers who exercise will still experience some pain. Exercise provides tools for pain management, not pain removal.
As well as improving physical wellbeing, exercise provides several psychological benefits. Often, exercise makes the patient feel better about themselves on the whole. Patients who simply get up and get moving around can experience improvement in self-esteem. Slight weight loss or a drop in clothing size might boost the self-esteem further. All of these positive reinforcements inspire patients to commit to their exercise routine.
Depending on your specific exercise regimen, you may meet others who share your interest in fitness. You might meet people in at class at your local gym or just on a walk around the neighbourhood. Interacting with others prevents exercise from being a monotonous activity. It might be a good idea to work-out with a friend. Work-out partners often help to keep you motivated and focused on staying in shape.
In many cases, patients just dont know how to begin. Walking is a great way to introduce your body to exercise. It is free of cost and can be done in various locations. Walking is a simple low stress activity. Over time, you can increase your speed or add weights. Just remember to pace yourself and you should be fine. Learning to manage your back pain should be thought of as a process that takes time and patience.
Andrew Mitchell, clinical director of the Osteopath Network, writes papers about musculo-skeletal conditions and Glasgow Osteopath. The Osteopath Network has more than 550 clinics located throughout the UK and offers treatment at weekends and after hours.
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