Back Pain Exercises / Core Strengthening

Back pain exercises

Exercises are an important tool in the treatment of mechanical back pain.  Along with simple painkillers and activity modification, doing the correct exercises will often be of benefit.  However, not all exercises will be suitable and the best advice is to try them to see which ones can be tolerated and do not exacerbate symptoms.  As symptoms improve, you may find that previous exercise that were painful are now possible.

Core strength exercises

Your core muscles wrap around the spine and abdomen, acting like a corset. The muscles include your back, shoulder girdle and pelvic girdle. These girdles act as anchors and allow the transfer of forces from the limbs to the spine. If these muscles are weak or unconditioned, the body will find a way to compensate by adjusting itself into positions that are not ideal.  You are then more vulnerable to injuries such as low back pain. Strengthening these core muscles allows other muscles and joints to perform in the safest and most effective way.