Why Exercise Causes and Prevents Lower Back Pain

About 80% of the population develops back problems at some time in their lives. Back pain can range from a dull, constant ache to a sudden, sharp pain that makes it hard to move.

Exercise may be a double edged sword for you when it comes to muscle induced lower back pain. It can cause it as well as prevent it.

Discovering the repetitive movement causing your particular lower back pain is the first step in prevention. The next step is to develop a fitness routine that strengthens your lower back without the associated pain causing strain.

For exercise induced lower back muscle pain there are two factors to consider. The first is the way your spine moves, or the way you feel when you move your spine in certain ways.

The second is sprains which are tears in the ligaments that support the spine, and they can occur from twisting or lifting. Your pain may be a result of the way your spine aligns and its associated muscle support system.

Practicing good posture and exercises that increase balance and strength might be good starting point. Although exercise is usually not advisable for acute back pain, proper exercise can help ease chronic pain and perhaps reduce its risk of returning.

Back pain is more common among people who are not physically fit. Weak back and abdominal muscles may not properly support the spine. If you go out and exercise a lot after being inactive you are more likely to suffer painful back injuries than those who make moderate physical activity a daily habit.

Keeping your back muscles strong is one of the best ways to minimize your risk, along with maintaining a healthy weight. Hot or cold packs may bring temporary relief, but doesn’t fix the cause.

Behavioral changes, such as learning to lift properly and exercising more, as well as getting more sleep and improving your diet, are all steps in right direction of prevention and away from causation.

A wide variety of factors can increase your risk of back problems:

  • getting older
  • having poor posture
  • being out of shape/overweight
  • disease/condition that causes back pain
  • having a job that requires lifting, pushing or pulling while twisting your spine

In most cases, it is not necessary to see a doctor for back pain because pain usually goes away with or without treatment. However, a trip to the doctor is probably a good idea if you have numbness or tingling, if your pain is severe and doesn’t improve with medications and rest, or if you have pain after a fall or an injury.

It is also important to see your doctor if you have pain along with any of the following problems:

  • fever
  • trouble urinating
  • unintentional weight loss
  • weakness, pain, or numbness in your legs

Such symptoms could signal a serious problem that requires treatment soon.

Protect your back from further injury by using Back Braces for Lower Back.

Filed under: Back

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