Aerobic Exercises for Lower Back Pain

Lower back pain is one of the most difficult forms of pain to live with. The reason this pain is cumbersome is because of its ability to incapacitate the recipient. Our back is an integral part in the motion of the human body. When pain strikes it, the results can involve sluggish movements, or even the possibility of becoming bedridden. There are many ways that lower back pain can be treated. The most common involve either pain relievers or surgery. Those are pretty grim choices. In the last few years, many natural methods have been gaining popularity in treating lower back pain. The most common on involves a variety of aerobic exercises.

When most people think of aerobic exercises, they think of them as a method of losing weight; however, there are many other benefits to aerobics. One of the main benefits of aerobics is its ability to relieve lower back pain, and not all of them involve jumping around to songs from the 1980s. Below is a list of aerobic exercises that will help to reduce lower back pain.

• Walking – Walking is one of the easiest aerobic exercises that can be done. It does involve a lot of movements, but not strenuous movement. Walking does not have to involve weights or anything else that will put undue strain on your back. Walking three to five miles every other day will help strengthen lower back muscles and lower extremities. Another benefit to walking is the ability to relax your mind from stress (which can be another trigger for lower back pain).

• Stationary Bicycling – This is the perfect exercise for those who experience chronic back pain that limits the amount of time that they are able to stand. Stationary bikes allow the person to work back and hip muscles and engage in light stretching. There are many forms of stationary bikes that will do the trick. The best part of stationary bicycling is that it does not have to be done in a gym. You can purchase your own stationary bike to use at home, and save on the cost of high priced memberships to the local gymnasium.

• Elliptical or Step Machines – This one may surprise many people, but this is an aerobic exercise that will help those with pain in their lower backs. The pedals on these machines are suspended in the air so people don’t have to worry about hard floors that will further aggravate their backs. These machines provide a smoother workout that does not involve a lot of jarring that walking can.

• Water Therapy – Have you ever noticed that moving around in water is different than moving on land? The reason is that there is less gravitational pull in water. This makes exercising a less painful endeavor. Many doctors will recommend water aerobics for those who suffer from lower back pain. The patient will be more mobile and will have the flexibility to accomplish aerobic exercises that he would not have been able to on land.

Aerobic exercises have always been beneficial for losing weight, but can also be helpful for those who suffer from pain in their lower back. Before beginning any regimen, it is always best to consult a physician. This way you will not make a bad situation worse.