Maintaining a strong core is essential for spinal stability, which in turn helps keep the lower back healthy and free from pain. Age or injury can weaken the muscles and ligaments around the spine, making activities like twisting, stretching, lifting, and bending more difficult. Regular stretching promotes harmony among muscles, enabling them to adequately support the back and prevent pain.
Life’s daily activities, including standing, bending, lifting, and twisting, often place significant strain on the spine. This strain becomes apparent when lower back pain occurs. An exercise program focused on stretching and strengthening the back and core muscles can not only assist in recovering from acute back pain but also prevent future episodes. It’s advisable to develop an exercise program under expert supervision to build strong, flexible muscles that are less susceptible to injury.
When starting out, especially after a period of severe pain, it’s important to begin with daily, gentle exercises to stretch and strengthen the muscles that support the lumbar spine. Stronger, more flexible muscles are typically less prone to injury.
To prevent back pain, it is recommended to regularly exercise the back, ideally strengthening and stretching exercises at least 2 or 3 times per week. Good back techniques at home and work are also crucial in preventing back and leg pain.
However, certain stretches and exercises, like sit-ups and curl-ups, should be avoided as they can exacerbate pain by putting pressure on the back’s disks. While core strengthening is beneficial for reducing back pain, there are more efficient exercises that do not aggravate the condition.
For individuals with osteoarthritis of the lower spine, stretching and strengthening the surrounding muscles is vital. The suggested “Best Bet Exercises” are designed to provide more support and reduce stress around the back, helping in managing osteoarthritis symptoms.
Early exercise, particularly gentle exercises for mobility and stretching the muscles of the legs and back, can help reduce the severity, duration, and recurrence of low back pain. It’s important to avoid exercises that increase pain. Additionally, modifying your sleeping position can alleviate strain on the low back.
For more information, visit Harvard Health, Harvard Health, Harvard Health, Harvard Health, University of Rochester Medical Center, The Well Northwell, Hospital for Special Surgery, and University of California, Berkeley.
