Exercises for Back Pain

Exercises for back pain consist of an organized program of back exercises, combined with stretching and conditioning. Exercise is one of the main methods employed in physical therapy. Therapists provide services that help restore function, improve mobility, relieve pain and prevent physical disabilities in patients suffering from back pain.

Treatment will help to increase the range of motion, flexibility, and strength of the back muscles. Professional physical therapists usually work closely with medical doctors and other healthcare providers.

Exercises can also be done at home or with the assistance of a qualified fitness trainer. There are numerous books on back exercises available. Many of these books are written by the very best physical therapists practicing today. The patient must be sure that they know what they are doing, or else they risk making their back pain worse, rather than helping to relieve it. If there is any doubt, it would be wise to consult a therapist or doctor before starting any exercise program.

Exercises for Back Pain / Therapists

A physical therapist (PT) is a healthcare professional who has completed 6 years of schooling on average and possibly more. Many of today�s therapists continue their education until they earn a Doctorate Degree. Physical therapists must pass an exam to be licensed, and must be licensed in order to practice. Physical Therapy Assistants (PTA) do not have such an extensive education and help assist the PT in actually working with the patient. Many patients develop a very close bond with their therapist and trust them deeply.

Exercises for Back Pain Indications

Exercise therapy is a great help for people who have been limited in their physical activity for a long time due to chronic back pain. However, physical therapy or back pain exercises alone will not provide a cure. In fact, they are forms of symptomatic treatment in the short term and might even perpetuate certain types of pain conditions in the long run. Generally, the positive effects of exercise and physical therapy will improve the condition of the back muscles, making them stronger, more flexible and healthier, but will not change the anatomy of the spine.

Exercise therapy is a good addition to back care treatment program, but only if there is work being done towards a real cure. If no cure is in sight, exercise therapy joins the long list of endless treatments that generally only succeed in prolonging the painful back problem.

Exercises for Back Pain Advice

Remember that exercise increases cellular oxygenation and will relieve the symptoms of ischemia temporarily. Patients accurately diagnosed with structural forms of spinal pain are less likely to enjoy the benefits of exercise as a pain relief modality. However, many patients who do experience exercise benefits are often misdiagnosed. Exercise therapy is great for recovering from a back injury or spinal surgery. Do not wind up in a long term treatment program of physical therapy or any other symptomatic treatment. Long term treatment will perpetuate the pain, while a cure will end it. Cure the pain, move past it and start an enjoyable exercise program to improve your health, not just combat your back pain.

Exercises for Back Pain to Lower Back Pain Home page 5/22/06 Revised 6/1/08