Generally, back pain exercise is beneficial to patients

Back and abdominal muscles that are underused deprive the spine of support and are often the cause of severe spinal pain. Experts agree that exercise is the single most important factor in both alleviating and preventing spinal pain.

In some cases, exercise is not recommended. A slipped disc, for instance, requires complete bed rest, but most spinal pain can benefit from gentle exercise to gradually build up the strength of the muscles.

Recent studies have shown that even patients bedridden by backache may benefit from prescribed exercise, particularly in the form of physical therapy. Physical therapy may include active and passive treatment. Studies have repeatedly shown that active people are less likely to suffer from spinal injuries than inactive people.

The sinal muscles serve two functions: they hold the vertebra together and in alignment and they hold the pelvis together. It makes sense that if these muscles are weak, things are going to start falling apart, literally. Sitting all day, as many people do at work, and bad posture are two of the major causes of weak muscles.

If the spinal muscles are weak, it won't be long before an awkward movement results in a back sprain.

Tight hip and hamstring muscles often contribute to lower spinal pain so it's important to keep these muscles supple and strong. Even more importantly, you need to warm up all muscles before attempting any spinal pain exercise.

Experts agree there are two aspects to spinal pain exercise - stretching and strengthening. Simple stretching warms up the body for the strengthening exercise and creates supple, flexible muscles. Strengthening exercise includes low impact aerobics, walking, cycling or swimming.

The type of exercise one chooses depends on the type of pain, patient gender and age.

Generally, exercise is beneficial to patients who have sprained or strained their spine, have disk disease or have injured themselves. Tumors and fractures may not necessarily benefit from exercise as the spinal pain is caused by something that can be fixed.

It is essential for patients to learn good posture and the correct way of sitting, standing, and lifting. The basic aim is to avoid too much curvature of the spine, so:

Always bend the knees when bending or lifting; always hollow the spine when kneeling; when carrying, distribute weight evenly; when standing for long periods stand with your feet slightly apart; when pushing or pulling try to keep your spine straight and take the strain on your arms.

For any type of spinal pain, good posture will stand you in as good stead as will back pain exercise.

Also read our article about Back Pain Management