Dos and Don’ts for Low Back Pain Relief Management

Low back pain is a condition that almost everyone experiences in their lifetime. Pain can be frequent and may become chronic if the condition is poorly managed.

Feelings of helplessness, negativity, depression, anxiety, fear, or distress are often associated with chronic low back pain. These feelings often lead to decreased activity and movement, but being inactive is the worst thing for back pain management. Here are some dos and don’ts of managing your back pain.

The Don’ts of Back Pain Management

• DON’T avoid activity. Inactivity leads to more pain, weakened muscles, and decreased strength, aerobic capacity, and flexibility. Activity can be painful; however, lack of movement can cause the pain and your functional abilities to become worse over time.
• DON’T believe you need a diagnosis to have pain. Diagnoses such as bulging discs, degenerative disc disease, and arthritis are very common as we age; however, you can be in pain and not have a diagnosis.
• DON’T wait to do something about your pain. Back pain can become disabling if left untreated. Be proactive and seek guidance to manage your pain sooner rather than later. Physical therapists specialize in providing you with the tools and knowledge to help guide you through the healing process and manage pain while avoiding complete inactivity.

The Dos of Back Pain Management

  • DO remember your spine is strong. Your spine is a robust structure that can tolerate movement and mechanical load.
  • DO exercise. Exercise focused on aerobic conditioning, flexibility, and functional strengthening is better than pain medications, spinal injections, surgery, and inactivity to manage chronic low back pain.
  • DO start slow. A good place to start exercising is with a gradual, consistent walking program and beginner-level yoga to improve mobility. As your activity tolerance and mobility improve, appropriately advancing strengthening is beneficial.

Summary:

Chronic low back pain does not have to be a debilitating condition. It may take some time, but with proper guidance and education, you can gradually begin to improve your overall quality of life.

Once your painful flare-ups are under control and no longer produce severe symptoms, it is then best to progress to a consistent exercise program that focuses on general strengthening, flexibility, and aerobic conditioning. Try these four essential exercises to perform at home to strengthen your core muscles.

If you need help developing a plan to manage your back pain, click here or call (804) 764-1000 to meet with an expert at Sheltering Arms and create an exercise regimen that is right for you.

Share This Post:

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
RehaBlog

More Posts

Identifying & Treating Rotator Cuff Injuries

An injury to the rotator cuff, or the group of four muscles that help to stabilize your shoulder and allow you to move your arm different directions such as overhead and behind your back, is a common cause of pain among adults. In fact, an estimated 30 percent of adults over age 60 have a rotator cuff tear. Rotator injuries can occur from a traumatic event like a fall; however, it is also common for rotator cuff injuries to develop over time from repetitive use.

How Physical Therapy Can Help Scoliosis

Imagine seeing a tree defiantly growing sideways in your yard, prompting thoughts of how to redirect its growth. In a parallel scenario, teenagers with scoliosis exhibit a noticeable trunk shift in their posture. However, the journey to rectifying their upright stance delves into a realm of complexity and intricacy. Proprioception, the body’s innate sense of movement and position, is the key to unlocking proper posture. Through targeted exercises and activities that enhance balance, coordination, and body awareness, we can reshape the way the brain perceives postural alignment.

Tips to Reduce Stress During the Holidays

The holiday season is meant to be joyful, but it often brings its own set of challenges, from financial stress and crowded social events to managing your health and fitness goals. The good news is that there are steps you can take to reduce stress and enjoy the season with more calmness and clarity.

Why Do I Have to Retrain my Brain to Rehab my Back?

While low back pain is extremely common, it can be difficult to treat, especially if it’s lasted for a long time. In these cases, research recommends that physical therapy interventions should include aerobic exercise, manual therapy as appropriate, and a specific type of patient education called pain neuroscience education, or PNE.

What is Knowledge Translation?

Most of us have been in a situation where we learn something new at a continuing education course, in a new program, or at an in-service that we want to put into practice in the workplace, but nothing ever happens. This happens a lot with evidence-based practice in healthcare. Clinicians want to help their patients achieve the best outcomes, so they learn about new research and techniques; however, there are many reasons why change is hard.

Start your Journey

Learn more about Sheltering Arms Institute

Contact a specialist at Sheltering Arms Institute to learn more about how you can gain more freedom in your everyday life.