Exercise provides many benefits including general pain relief but regular exercise is especially good for relieving lower back pain. Initially pain may become intense but after a few sessions pain is reduced and flare ups are prevented. Exercise also assists in preventing lower back pain from becoming chronic.

Prevent Lower Back Pain

70% of people will suffer lower back pain at some point during their lives. The lower back bears the brunt of most ofg the pressure exerted on the back when you bend and lift. You can strengthen your back muscles and prevent or repair injuries by exercising regularly. Activities such as swimming, walking, and certain exercises that target the abdomen, back and buttocks will reduce the risk of back pain or prevent additional injury and flare ups.

What Causes Lower Back Pain?

Approximately 80% of all backaches are caused by exercising or lifting improperly or not exercising enough. In order to avoid lower back pain lifting should be done with the legs rather than by bending the back. Avoiding injury by not lifting to much is also wise and stretching or walking for an hour instead of sitting continuously will increase fitness levels and decrease the frequency of injuries experienced. Watching swinging techniques during sports such as golf, softball, or baseball will also assist in avoiding many common back injuries.

Treating Lower Back Injuries

The fastest route to recovery for individuals suffering due to a lower back injury is always regular exercise. While bed rest is part of treatment continuous bed rest without some form of physical therapy is not recommended. Ice packs prevent inflammation and swelling but exercise is the key most important factor in recovering from a lower back injury.

Strength Exercises are Great for Relieving Lower Back Pain

It’s important to choose the right type of exercises to perform after injuring your lower back. You should choose an exercise that isn’t too rigorous but one that also provides for strengthening the back muscles so further future injury is prevented. Pelvic tilts and abdominal curls are good exercises for even novices to begin with. About 20-30 reps of each per day will get you on the road to recovery and make your lower back stronger. A strong lower back is not as easily injured.

Stretching Exercises Help Relieve Lower Back Pain as Well

Performing at least three stretching exercises per day is best. Knee to chest stretches, leg stretches while sitting, and quadriceps stretches are really good exercises to help your lower back. You should do about 20 of these exercises per region to obtain maximum results.

No Pain, No Gain

While it may be painful initially to exercise after a back injury after you become used to the exercises the pain will continue to decrease. If the pain is especially intense you should consult with a physician, just as you should do anyway when beginning any exercise routine after a lower back injury.