When you’re in pain, exercising may feel like the last thing you want to do. But a growing body of research suggests that, while it’s not a cure, physical activity may be a useful tool for managing chronic low back pain. And, over time, inactivity may make symptoms worse.
It may feel counterintuitive, but “the best thing for you to do is actually to keep on moving,” in most cases, says Dr Edward Phillips, an associate professor of physical medicine and rehabilitation at Harvard Medical School.
Exercise can help to relieve pain by stretching and strengthening the muscles that support the back. For some, it can also improve their perception of the pain and reduce chronic stress.
Still, studies suggest that one of the main reasons people with back pain don’t exercise is because they fear they wi
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