Mar 03 2009
To Lessen Back Pain, Get Off Your Backside
Like many people, I have problems with low back pain. A recent review of studies conducted into treatments for such pain generated a somewhat surprising conclusion.
What didn’t surprise me is that exercise is effective. It took me years to realize that rest alone does next to nothing and may actually make things worse in the short and long terms.
The overall finding?
Seven of the eight high-quality trials promoting various exercise programs were found effective, but other common and popular methods failed including: reduced lifting programs, back or ergonomic educational interventions, lumbar supports, shoe inserts and stress management.
I have to chuckle about the stress-management part. I once had a doctor who classified 99% of any symptoms I reported, including back pain, as stress-induced. Broken leg? Stress can cause that. So relax. I’ve got another doctor now.
A physical therapist once described to me the benefits of motion for back pain sufferers this way: Muscles, ligaments and cartilage are alive. To repair and grow they need circulation. When you move, they get better circulation. Of course, there is likely more to it than that, but I try to keep the idea in mind. My back is alive.
Now, If you’ll excuse me for a moment, I’ve got to move.
