 It is commonly believed that the best thing for
chronic back pain is to rest...
...or even stay in bed a much as possible. Nothing could be further from the truth. Study after study has shown that exercise helps reduce low-back pain when you have it, as well as helping to protect against future back pain. Back pain is often difficult to diagnose. Injury to muscles, ligaments, nerves, or the spine may be responsible, but rarely can people recall a specific incident that caused the pain.
What Causes Back Pain?
Chronic overuse of muscles, muscle imbalances, a herniated disk or other structural problems may be the cause. This can be the result of poor posture, bad sleeping habits (such as sleeping on the sofa or a poor quality or worn-out mattress, a sedentary lifestyle, or injuries. Whatever the source of your back pain, exercise is likely to help. If the pain is minor, a simple exercise routine may be enough. You are generally best off, however, to obtain advice and guidance from a physiotherapist.
Prescription for a Better Back
Stretching and strengthening weak back muscles is not enough. You also need to strengthen the abdominal muscles, as they help support the back. Tight hamstrings and hip flexors often play a role in back pain, so they need to be exercised and stretched as well. That’s a broad range of muscles you may need to strengthen and stretch.
Click here for some exercises to get you started.
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