The natural instinct when experiencing back pain is to lie prostrate, but resist this urge and try to move around. Getting up and moving around as soon as possible is good for your back, and it is widely understood that those people who remain active are likely to recover faster.

We don’t mean anything too intense. Just start off by getting out of bed or up from your chair and walking around the house if that’s all you can do. Any exercises that place additional strain on your back should be avoided. However, those exercises that can strengthen your back, stomach and leg muscles will support your spine and this in turn will help alleviate your back pain.

WHAT KINDS OF EXERCISES WILL GET YOU MOVING AGAIN?

There are all sorts of beneficial exercises that are good for your back health. Let’s take a look at some of the core exercise types that could get you into the swing of things and improve your back health. First off, aerobic exercises.

Of course, the type of exercise you go for will depend on a  variety of factors, such as the severity of your condition, its location and cause.

AEROBIC EXERCISES are perfect for all round fitness, but can also be hugely beneficial for your back. Such exercises include walking, running, cycling and swimming (hydrotherapy and aquarobics). The key thing to consider is consistency. Take a 30 - 60 minute stroll every day

Swimming is especially good for the back as the water is a great supportive medium for your body. Just be careful to avoid any strokes or moves that involve twisting your body and making your back pain worse.

YOGA AND PILATES. While some argue that these popular forms of exercise are neither aerobic nor anaerobic, what they do is encourage the right ways to stretch and are both great ways to strengthen the core.

There’s some evidence that regular yoga practice can not only help with conditions such as high blood pressure and heart disease but also lower back pain. Equally, Pilates, an exercise system that focuses on strengthening and stretching the whole body to improve balance, muscle strength, flexibility and posture, can benefit non-specific lower back pain too.

TRY IMPROVING YOUR POSTURE

As well as exercise it would also be beneficial to improve your posture as over time, poor posture can lead to muscle imbalance, pain and discomfort. Becoming aware of your posture is the first step in preventing injury and doing exercise is important for maintaining your posture. Although it is not recommended by NICE, some studies that the Alexander technique, a method for improving posture, can help relieve back pain.

EXERCISE HINTS & TIPS

If you are uncertain about exercise, check with your GP first, but don’t avoid it, as it the benefits are many. It’s important you don’t let fear of pain keep you from trying gentle activity. Start your exercises gently and increase them gradually. Too little activity can lead to loss of flexibility, strength and endurance – and lead to more pain!