Therapist Diaries: Stay active, stay free of back pain.

One of the common assumptions people make when they are suffering from back pain is to rest.  People are afraid that they might worsen their condition by moving too much. However, if you are suffering from acute non-specific back pain, resting in bed for more than two days will do exactly the opposite of what you think is good for your body.

Not moving will weaken your core muscles causing your pain to worsen over time. This can then lead to a cascading effect for other health problems. There are a lot of studies done that prove and recommend regular exercise for back pain. Studies have also found that exercising regularly can reduce the frequency of recurring back pain by almost half.

If the doctor has ruled out any red flags for back pain, there is no need to be afraid of movement.

Start out with simple activities. Going for short walks daily or brisk walking twice or thrice is a good start. Doing friendly stretches for the back can help to relieve stiffness and calm low back spasms. Continue with your activities of daily living.

Listen to your body. If certain movements or exercises causes an increase in pain, pay attention and stop. On the other hand, if you find relief in pain with certain movements, you may continue with those exercises.

A physiotherapist can guide you with a tailored exercise program based on your medical condition and symptoms. If you are younger with no other medical conditions, engaging in pilates and yoga can promote strength and flexibility.

Keep back pain at bay or speed up your recovery and avoid chronic disability by keeping active.