I often hear patients say that they have not done any exercise since they hurt their back, as they are worried that it will make their back worse. I am also asked is it OK to exercise with a bad back.The short answer is yes. Resting your back from intensive exercise, lifting, twisting or forward bending is be advisable in the early days, particularly if these were the movements that triggered the event.
People are usually concerned about stretching or exercising when in pain. You should always work within your own limits, if it is too painful use ice or heat and gently stretch as much as you can handle. If you are still concerned speak to your chiropractor or GP before you start the exercises. Once you are in less pain increase the intensity of the stretching and once you are pain free start strengthening your back.
Additionally research has shown that exercise is the best protection against back injuries. The good news is that it doesn’t really matter what type of exercise you do – flexibility, core strength, general strength, stretching – it is all effective in the prevention of back pain.
At Bristol Chiropractic Clinic you will be prescribed stretches and exercises to do alongside your manual therapy. Call 01172140785 to book your consultation today.