Exercise and weight loss

Use Exercise to Manage Back Pain
by Andrew Mitchell
Exercise is an easy way to treat back pain. For many patients, the last thing they want to do risk increasing the amount of pain they feel. Strenuous work-outs are not the best idea for patients suffering from back pain. Mild work-out routines, however, can prove to be quite beneficial. Remember to consult a physician before beginning any type of exercise program. It is also important to understand your individual injury and your personal limits.

The majority of patients fear that exercise will only increase the level of pain they experience. This is a valid concern. Upon beginning a fitness regimen, pain levels may increase. When muscles are first put to use, they are forced to stretch and adapt to being put to use. These minor aches will prove to be worthwhile in the long term. As long as you stay within your limits and heed your physicians advice, there is little to worry about.

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 also teaches patients to manage their own pain. If you suffer from extreme pain, you may be skeptical but it has been proven to be true. Exercise can teach you to manage and even, overcome pain. This is not to say that all pain will disappear, but it will become manageable. Exercise is a form of pain management, not complete pain removal.

In addition to improving your physical well being, exercise can provide a number of psychological benefits. For many patients going out to exercise makes them feel better about themselves. Just getting up and getting active can greatly improve ones self-esteem. Noticeable weight loss or a drop in clothing size can further boost self-esteem. These positive changes often help patients keep up with their exercise routine.

Exercising can be a great way to meet other people who share your interest in personal fitness. You can meet people at the neighbourhood gym or on a walk down the street. Meeting others can make exercise more interesting. Many people choose to work-out with a friend. Having a work-out partner helps remove the monotony from exercise. Friends will also help to keep you on track and committed to your fitness routine.

Oftentimes, patients just do not know how to get started. Walking can be a great way to get active. It is free and can be done virtually anywhere. A bit of sun and fresh air can do a world of good. Walking can also help you to gain confidence and motivate you to increase the intensity of your workout over time. Remember not to move too quickly. Learning to manage your back pain is a slow process that requires plenty of patience and time.

About the Author:
Andrew Mitchell, clinical editor at the Osteopaths Network, writes papers about musculo-skeletal conditions, drug-free treatment, pain management and how to find a Leeds osteopath. He is interested in the treatment of back pain, neck pain and injury and pain management.

For more information on exercise, go to www.backpainloss.com

Stay well
Paul