When you suffer from back pain, sometimes you want to lie in bed and avoid any kind o movement at all.
But that’s usually not the best tactic. If you avoid movement, then your muscles can get stiff and weak, thereby actually prolonging the time that you’ll be in pain.
Stay Functional
Many medical professionals say that walking is one of the best activities you can you for your painful back.
That doesn’t mean hiking over rough terrain. No, when your back is very painful, you should walk over even surfaces.
Start with very slow walks. You don’t have to go far at first. You might even start with just a leisurely five-minute walk, but the key is not to give up and head back to the bed.
When you start walking, consider how long you’re walking, not how far. If you can do only five minutes to start, that’s okay.
Even slow movement over short distances will help you stay functional. Your goal, however, will be to walk most days for around 30 minutes.
Walking over even surfaces is low impact, so it is not likely to make your back pain worse.
You might even find that you enjoy it enough to continue it as part of your daily routine even after your backaches is gone.
A thirty-minute walk several times a week will be good for your overall health and will do much to prevent back pain in the future.
When you’re doing your daily walking, you won’t even realize how your bones and muscles are getting stronger.
And the stronger they are, the better able they’ll be to prevent future episodes of back pain.
Walking with good posture will help you more than if you allow yourself to walk hunched over.
Practice good posture at home by looking in a mirror to check how you’re standing. Make sure that you’re standing upright, not leaning forward.
Release Those Endorphins
Walking can release endorphins. You’ve heard about those pain-inhibiting feel-good hormones, haven’t you?
Yes, you can have the benefit of drugs without even taking them. Your body can produce them – you have to help a little with some walking.
Don’t be frightened to find out that endorphins work a little like opioid pain medication because they bind to the opioid receptors in your brain.
But in this case, you don’t become addicted to pain medication that has severe and unpleasant side effects.
In fact, you may find that you can reduce your pain medication once you’re well into your walking routine.
What to Do When It Rains or Snows
Don’t let rain or snow interfere with your walking routine. No, you don’t have to go walking outside no matter what the weather is. There are alternatives in the form of treadmills or elliptical machines.
In the past, treadmills were clunky and noisy. If you wanted to use the treadmill and watch your favorite TV show, you had to turn the sound on the TV way up.
That’s not true any longer. Treadmills are much more sophisticated now and include the ability to program a walk that consists of some incline – only when you’re ready, of course.
Elliptical machines are another alternative to use. Some people prefer this kind of device over a treadmill. Your best bet is to try out both types of equipment at your local retail shop.
Yes, it’s true that either machine is a bit of an investment, but your back will thank you for that in the long run.
You may find that you prefer an exercise routine on a machine better than going outside. Whatever works best for you is the best way to go.
In conclusion, I feel this article on Back Pain will get its worth once people like you feel that you have benefited from reading this. Take care.