How You Can Stay Active With Back Pain
Back pain is a common problem that affects many people, both young and old. According to the American Chiropractic Association, it is the second most common reason for missed workdays in the US. Back pain can range from mild discomfort to severe, debilitating agony, and can be caused by any number of factors such as an accident, poor posture, or medical conditions like arthritis.
It’s important to treat back pain as soon as possible because if left untreated it can get worse over time and lead to more serious complications. Early treatment can help reduce inflammation and improve mobility. Treatments may include physical therapy exercises, massage therapy, chiropractic adjustments, medications, or even surgery in some cases.
Not taking care of back pain can have serious consequences that will keep you from doing the things you love. It can limit your ability to work, play sports, or even simply perform everyday activities like driving or getting out of bed in the morning.
Taking steps to address any underlying conditions and manage your pain should be a priority if you want to live an active lifestyle and enjoy the activities that make life worth living.
Back pain can make even the simplest tasks, such as walking or simple stretching exercises, difficult to perform. Unfortunately, people often think that exercise is not an option when they experience back pain and opt for rest instead. However, it is important to understand that rest, when you have back pain, can actually make things worse.
So, we thought we would give you some clarity on how exercise can help with back pain and why rest is not going to help the back magically heal.
How You Can Stay Active With Back Pain
Exercising with back pain can be intimidating, but it is possible to get the benefits of regular exercise while managing your pain. Exercise helps decrease tightness and stiffness in muscles, as well as improve range of motion and flexibility. This makes physical activity an important part of any chronic back pain management strategy.
The best exercises for people with chronic back pain are those that focus on improving core stability and strength. Examples include yoga, Pilates, tai chi, swimming, or stretching exercises.
Walking is also beneficial because it increases blood flow to the spine and helps keep joints flexible. It’s important to start slowly when exercising with back pain and build up gradually over time; this will help reduce further injury while still allowing you to progress.
It’s also important to avoid certain activities when you have back pain. High-impact exercises such as running and contact sports may aggravate existing pain and should be avoided until the condition has improved. Also, any exercises that involve too much weight or strain on the spine should be avoided, as they can worsen existing back issues.
One of the most important aspects of exercising with back pain is proper form; incorrect posture or technique can lead to further injury. It is recommended that people with chronic back pain seek out a physical therapist or exercise specialist who can advise on ways to safely manage their condition while still getting the benefits of regular exercise. With proper guidance, you can incorporate gentle activity into your daily routine without exacerbating your back pain.
By following these guidelines, you can safely exercise with back pain and help keep your spine healthy. Exercise is an important part of any back pain management strategy, so don’t let your fear of worsening symptoms stop you from staying active. With the right precautions in place, you can get the benefits of physical activity while still managing your pain.
How Can Physical Therapy Help If You Are Dealing With Back Pain?
Physical therapy is a powerful tool for helping individuals manage their back pain. Physical therapists are trained to assess an individual’s movement, strength, balance, and other physical capacities related to their pain. They use this information to create personalized treatments that can help relieve the symptoms of back pain while avoiding medications or surgery in many cases.
The primary goal of physical therapy is to reduce inflammation and improve mobility without the need for injections or prescription medication. The therapist will perform hands-on techniques such as joint mobilization and soft tissue massage to reduce tension in the muscles and joints surrounding the area of pain.
Other modalities like electrical stimulation and ultrasound may also be used to reduce inflammation, improve circulation, and promote healing. Exercises tailored to the individual are also an important part of physical therapy treatment. These exercises help build strength and flexibility which can reduce strain on the back muscles while helping them become better able to support the spine.
Physical therapists have a number of tools at their disposal to help ease back pain, avoid injections, painkillers, and even surgery in some cases. Through assessment, hands-on techniques, modalities, and exercises they provide an effective alternative that may be less invasive and more cost-effective than other treatments.
By working closely with your physical therapist you can find relief from your back pain without resorting to medications or procedures that could bring additional risks or side effects.
Are You Dealing With Back Pain That Won't Go Away?
Staying active is important. But, back pain can keep you from staying active and can be nagging when dealing with it for a period of time. If that sounds like you, then schedule a free phone consult or contact us to arrange a Back Pain Assessment.
You can also feel free to give us a call at 845.675.8444 (We still like to talk on the phone!)
If you want more information on how to best back pain, visit us at Empire Sports Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation.
Don’t let back pain keep you from what you love to do!
We love to keep people in the Valley Cottage area mobile, active, and off pain pills - let our expertise go to work for you to help you return to the activities you love.
Don't forget, you can schedule a no-obligation (and free!) phone consult or visit us at our Valley Cottage clinic as part of your Back Pain Assessment. Or just give us a call at 845.675.8444.
Until next time,
David Stedjan, PT
Other Free Resources from Empire Sports Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation...
Free Report for Back Pain - "9 Easy Tips to Stop Your Low Back Pain from Stopping Your Work-Outs and Social Activities"
Read Our Blog - Can Stress Cause Body Aches And Pains?
Read Our Blog - 4 Tips to Avoid Back Pain When Traveling