If you suffer from persistent back pain – either in the aftermath of an injury or just as a byproduct of growing older – you undoubtedly are eager to find a treatment regimen that will help you overcome your discomfort. The good news in this instance is that there is no shortage of possible techniques out there that might provide you with the relief you desire. The trick is to work closely with a doctor to determine what approach will give you the best chance of managing your pain, increasing your spinal flexibility, and improving your overall spine health. For some individuals, an integral component to this treatment plan will be strengthening the lower back.

For some individuals, the prospect of back exercise when you suffer from chronic lower back pain may seem daunting. After all, if you struggle with regular mobility, the idea of putting any additional strain on your lower back may seem inconceivable. However, by working closely with your doctor and a certified physical therapist, it is possible to begin to manage your back pain with the correct types of back exercises.

The benefit to physical therapy is essentially twofold. Using carefully selected stretches and exercises both strengthens the muscles that supports the back and increases flexibility in the lumbar spine in the lower back. This increased strength and mobility, in turn, alleviates some of the strain placed on the spinal column, reducing symptoms. So, what are some examples of back exercises that might be beneficial?

– Low-impact exercise – Any aerobic exercise that doesn’t put needless strain on the body can help reduce body fat, alleviating some of the burden placed on the spine. Swimming is particularly popular because it isn’t as jarring on the joints as running, for example.

– Partial sit-ups – Abdominal crunches strengthen the core muscles and don’t require much time or space.

– Yoga, Pilates, and other stretching exercises – These exercises help improve balance and flexibility, and can also improve posture and other factors that help alleviate discomfort.

With all of this said, it is extremely important to also differentiate between taking advantage of a custom-tailored treatment regimen and going it alone. While back pain is extremely common and there are no shortages of possible exercises and stretching techniques currently available, the wrong approach may prove entirely ineffective, or worse still, make your condition even more severe.

Additionally, it is vital that you go into physical therapy with the proper expectations. There are no magical stretching techniques that will provide you instant relief. In fact, it may take several weeks or even months to begin to see the results that you require. This can be discouraging in the early stages but the long-term benefits of exercise will pay dividends. Furthermore, stretching and exercise are typically just one component of nonsurgical treatment. It may also be recommended that you use nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, heat/cold therapy, and other similar techniques to address your chronic pain. It will depend entirely on your overall health, the severity of your symptoms, and the cause of the problem.

John Soland is an experienced writer who has written for a number of notable publications. As a lifestyle expert, Mr. Soland is able to offer advice and insight on a multitude of topics, including those pertaining to physical therapy.

John Soland is an experienced writer who has written for a number of notable publications. As a lifestyle expert, Mr. Soland is able to offer advice and insight on a multitude of topics, including those pertaining to physical therapy. http://www.spine-exercises.com/

Author Bio: John Soland is an experienced writer who has written for a number of notable publications. As a lifestyle expert, Mr. Soland is able to offer advice and insight on a multitude of topics, including those pertaining to physical therapy.

Category: Medicines and Remedies
Keywords: physical therapy, back exercises