Did you know that cardiovascular exercise could help relieve back pain? When you stay active through regular exercise, you decrease stiffness and improve blood flow to the spinal structures, resulting in an increased amount of nutrients to the spine.

Too often, those with back pain inadvertently worsen their condition with immobilization. Becoming sedentary can result in prolonged injury, longer recovery times, decreased blood flow, and much more.

Maintaining cardiovascular fitness with neck or back pain is possible. Below are some great options for those suffering from low back or neck pain.

To get cardiovascular benefits from any of these exercises, you must exert yourself enough to increase breathing and heart rate.

 

Low Back Pain Cardio Options:

  • Walking
  • Elliptical trainers
  • Swimming (just no butterfly stroke)
  • Water aerobics

Neck Pain Cardio Options:

  • Walking and running
  • Aerobics (land or water)
  • Swimming (the backstroke is best)
  • Riding a bicycle in an upright position (like a recumbent bike)

The above lists are for informational purposes only and not intended to provide specific guidance for specific individuals and their conditions.

It’s time to get a handle on your spine health and live free of pain! However, always check with your physician to see if these tips are safe to follow based on your health history.

If you have back pain or back problems, make an appointment with one of First State Spine’s specialists.