People who suffer from back pain understand the discomfort and hassle that comes with not feeling their best. From mild to severe, any type of back pain can hinder your lifestyle. Although you may feel like resting, moving around can actually help ease the pain and put you back on the road to recovery. Here are three ways that exercise can help alleviate back pain.
Strengthens Your Spine
According to Stewart J. Guss, your spine sends signals to the rest of your body that control a range of functioning. It is important to know that not all types of exercise are appropriate for strengthening your spine. For example, toe touches and sit-ups actually put more strain on the ligaments and discs in your spine, exacerbating the problem. Instead, you should practice gentle stretching that will open up the spine and build the strength that it needs to combat a host of back issues. A good stretching program will work on the back, abdominal and buttock muscles. This works to prevent back issues because muscles that are adequately stretched are less prone to injury. This makes stretching a good treatment option as well as an effective preventative measure. Exercises such as running and rowing can also help strengthen the spine and help prevent injury.
Helps Manage Pain
While it may be counterintuitive to put a strain on your back, it is important to understand that exercise can actually help you manage back pain, according to Spine-Health. When executed properly, the right kind of exercise can actually help with recovery. Moving the back reduces stiffness as it encourages the connective fibers of the ligaments and tendons to be flexible. This improved mobility prevents connective fibers from ripping while under stress. This mobility then prevents injury and helps manage pain in the back.
Yoga and Tai Chi Function As a Massage
According to Do You Yoga, the gentle stretching and movement of yoga and tai chi are ideal exercises for sore backs. The poses and breathing exercises function as a massage, reducing pain and loosening the muscles so that they are less likely to tighten up and cause further issues. Since yoga can make the problem worse if not practiced properly, it is vital that you practice the right form. Strengthening the muscles in your back and abdominal area can help return you back to the right alignment. This alignment will improve your posture and reduce the load on your back, causing it to feel better in the process. The mental boost provided by yoga and tai chi also helps you be able to tolerate the aches and pains better.
While not all back problems can be prevented, you can take a big step in mitigating the pain and preventing further occurrences of issues by taking the time to engage in the proper exercise. Keep in mind that not all exercises are created equal. By choosing the right regimen, you will treat the pain while preventing additional issues. As always, it is a good idea to check with your health care provider before beginning any new exercise routine.
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