For those who are experiencing chronic back pain, movement may seem like it will cause more pain, and rest should make it better. At Southwest Spine and Pain Center, our pain management specialists will often recommend movement to help relieve chronic back pain, and will advise against immobilizing and rest.
One of the best pieces of advice to try to stick to if you work at a computer is to get up at least twice an hour to move around, stretch, and walk a bit. The average American sits six or more hours per day, and in addition to other chronic health conditions, this can lead to chronic back pain.
Depending on your chronic back pain condition, different types of movement may be more beneficial than others. Yoga has shown to be extremely beneficial for those with chronic back pain if done correctly and carefully. Yoga can stretch muscles, promote increased circulation, and help strengthen skeletal structures over time.
Weight bearing exercise is also important to build bone strength and muscle stability. There is no need to start lifting weights like an Olympian, but basic strength training exercises can help relieve chronic pain and help reduce future pain episodes.
If nothing else, walking is a great way to keep moving and help relieve chronic back pain. A daily walk in your neighborhood or on your lunch break can significantly relieve symptoms.
Speak to your pain management doctor at Southwest Spine and Pain Center to find out what is causing your chronic back pain. In some cases, it could be referred pain – pain that originates somewhere else in the body and can be relieved by treating that cause. In others, pain may be caused by disc herniation, which may be relieved by back extension exercises. Your pain specialist at Southwest Spine and Pain Center will be able to help you determine exercises that will be most effective for your specific type of back pain.
If chronic pain is impacting your life, don't wait to schedule an appointment at Southwest Spine and Pain Center. With three locations and growing, the pain management specialists at Southwest Spine and Pain Center are dedicated to helping those who suffer from chronic pain live the life they want to! To schedule an appointment, visit our locations tab!
The advice and information contained in this article is for educational purposes only, and is not intended to replace or counter a physician’s advice or judgment. Please always consult your physician before taking any advice learned here or in any other educational medical material.
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