Low Back Pain-Can Exercise Help?

Can Exercise Really Help Low Back Pain?

Author: John Marshall CPT, Coach

Most low back pain I see in the setting of the personal training studio and on the athletic fields and tracks are caused by muscle weakness and imbalances in the hamstrings, hip flexors, lower back muscle groups and abdominals. Excess body weight (especially in the stomach area) has been proven along with decreased activity to contribute to lower back discomfort. Many factors will apply to this study, but without fail the people that were less “functional” meaning-stiff and unstable hips and tight hamstrings and weaker core muscles- always suffer from lower back pain. Ironically this is exactly what keeps them from moving which contributes even more to this vicious cycle. Consequently, it stands to reason that becoming physically fit and taking on a healthy lifestyle may help prevent lower back pain. You may just have to work through some initial pain at first with getting started, but as always, check with your doctor first. By incorporating moderate aerobic exercises and structured strength and core exercises as part of a consistent healthy lifestyle, including good nutrition, you may be able to erase your lower back pain altogether. One of the things that I have seen that helps the most before exercising is a good dynamic warm-up before most activities and for some it is a workout in and of itself, excellent for keeping the body mobile- more on that in future posts.
If you have been diagnosed with back issues of any sort, strain or injury etc. check with your physician before starting any exercise program. If you are working with a physical therapist, ask for some home work to add to what they are helping you through, and continue after the meetings with them stop. I will not go through the different types of movements here in this context because of the complexity of the different kinds of injuries and problems that might be causing the pain in the first place. My recommendation is to hire a professional if you do not have the knowledge yourself, you will thank them in the long run with a healthy back, and less pain in the future.

 

For more information on the subjects discussed here, or for any of your coaching or training needs contact John Marshall at totalbodywors21@gmail.com.

 

*John Marshall started his career at Baylor College of Sports Medicine over 15 years ago and has been certified and educated through ISSA, ACE, and PFIT programs.