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Low back pain: Exercises to reduce pain


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Why is it important to do exercises for low back pain?

Exercise and staying active may relieve low back pain and can help speed your recovery.2, 3 Stretching and strengthening your stomach, back, and leg muscles helps make them less susceptible to injury that can cause back pain. Strong stomach, back, and leg muscles also better support your spine, reducing pressure on your spinal discs. This may help prevent disc injury.

Aerobic exercises—such as walking, swimming, or walking in waist-deep water—also help you maintain a healthy back. Aerobic exercise makes your heart and other muscles use oxygen more efficiently. Muscles that frequently receive oxygen-rich blood stay healthier.

Test Your Knowledge

  1. Exercise and activity may help reduce the risk of disability from back pain.

    1. This answer is Correct

      Exercises stretch and strengthen your back, stomach, and legs. When these muscles are flexible and strong, they can help reduce the risk of disability from back pain.

    2. This answer Incorrect

      Exercises stretch and strengthen your back, stomach, and legs. When these muscles are flexible and strong, they can help reduce the risk of disability from back pain.

Continue to How? - Learn the steps involved in taking action. How do I exercise to reduce low back pain?

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Last Updated: February 6, 2008
Author:
Shannon Erstad, MBA/MPH
Medical Review:
William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine

Robert B. Keller, MD - Orthopedics


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