Should I Exercise With Back Pain?
If you have back pain, you may find yourself wondering whether exercise will help or make things worse.
It is a common concern.
You might have stopped going to the gym, reduced your walking, avoided certain movements or become more cautious because you’re worried about aggravating your back.
But back pain doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to stop being active.
The more useful question is:
What can you safely do now, and how can you work towards getting back to the activities that matter to you?
Should you exercise with back pain?
There isn’t one answer that applies to everyone.
The right type and amount of activity depends on your symptoms, your current ability and what may be contributing to your problem.
If you’re unsure what you should or shouldn’t be doing, a physiotherapy assessment can help you understand your situation and your options.
Rather than simply giving you a list of exercises, the aim should be to understand how your back problem is affecting your everyday life.
How can back pain affect your life?
Persistent back pain can change more than the way you move.
You might find yourself:
- Walking less
- Exercising less
- Avoiding certain movements
- Worrying about making your pain worse
- Changing how you travel
- Finding everyday activities more difficult
- Losing confidence in what your body can do
Over time, this can be frustrating.
You may not actually want “physiotherapy”.
You may simply want to walk without constantly thinking about your back, return to exercise or carry on doing the things you enjoy.
Does pain always mean you're damaging your back?
Pain and tissue damage are not always directly proportional.
That doesn’t mean persistent or significant pain should simply be ignored. It means that understanding what is happening can be an important part of deciding what to do next.
If you’re concerned about your symptoms, an appropriate professional assessment can help you understand the situation and identify suitable options.
What can physiotherapy do for back pain?
Physiotherapy may involve more than treating the painful area.
An assessment can consider:
- Your symptoms
- Your movement
- Your strength and function
- Your activity levels
- How the problem affects your everyday life
- What you want to return to doing
From there, your physiotherapist can develop a personalised plan.
That plan may involve rehabilitation, education, exercise and gradual progression towards your goals.
What should I do if back pain keeps coming back?
Recurring back pain can be frustrating, particularly if you’ve already tried exercises or other approaches.
Instead of repeatedly treating each episode in isolation, it can be useful to understand what may be contributing to the problem and how your activity, strength, movement and daily life fit into the bigger picture.
A professional assessment can help you understand your options.
Frequently asked questions:
Is walking good for back pain?
Walking may be an appropriate form of activity for some people with back pain, but the right amount depends on the individual and their symptoms.
Should I stop exercising when my back hurts?
Not necessarily. Some activities may need to be modified rather than stopped completely. If you're unsure what is appropriate, seek professional advice.
Can physiotherapy help with persistent back pain?
Physiotherapy can involve assessment, education, rehabilitation and a personalised approach to improving movement and function.
How do I get back to exercise after back pain?
A gradual, individualised approach can help you work towards your previous activities. The starting point depends on your symptoms, current ability and goals.
The next step
Back pain doesn’t have to define what you can do next.
If you’re becoming less active because you’re worried about your back, a physiotherapy assessment can help you understand what’s happening and what your options are.
The goal isn’t simply less pain. It’s getting you moving towards the life you want.
Book a Mobility Physiotherapy assessment to discuss your back pain and what you’d like to get back to doing.
Book Appointment
Book your appointment online at a time that suits you. Prefer to speak to us? Call us on Phone: 09053369864, Whatsapp: 08058404754.
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If you’re not ready to book an appointment yet, you can request a call from one of our team members. We’ll help you understand your next step.
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Not sure if physiotherapy is right for you? Have a chat with our team and ask any questions you may have.
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