Many individuals who suffer from chronic back pain are never quite sure if it is better to rest their back or to exercise it. This comes, in part, from advice that was popular years back when most doctors recommended rest and inactivity for back pain. Today, things have changed and, in addition to using proper accessories to aid back pain such as ergonomic chairs and back supports, professionals are also recommending that the best way to keep a back healthy is to stay active and maintain a schedule of correct exercise. Lack of exercise merely results in a further loss of mobility and will ultimately prolong the pain.

Even the day to day activities that you may be reluctant to pursue should be continued. Simple things like walking the dog, gardening or daily walks to the store are great ways to keep your back flexible while simply doing everyday tasks. If you become too sedentary, muscles will tighten up, making even small movements painful.

Some of the best exercise programs that help keep muscles limber are Pilates, Yoga and TaiChi. These types of exercises strengthen core muscles while keeping the spine in a neutral position. Low impact aerobic activities such as walking and swimming are other great ways to tone and work back muscles.

Another super simple way to tone back muscles is the use of an exercise ball. Try just sitting on the ball for a few minutes each day. Staying balanced on the ball requires that your back be straight and your spine aligned. This makes it both a fun and productive exercise.

It’s also a good idea to take regular breaks when working either in a sitting or standing position, to move about and change position. Take a short walk or do some stretches just to ensure that you aren’t getting hunched over and stiff.

Due to the perceived notion that one cannot move about, chronic back pain can sometimes lead to feelings of depression and anxiety. Exercise again can be the answer, as it has been proven to increase the production of the hormone serotonin which is our “feel good” hormone. Just getting up and moving not only improves our bodies but our minds as well!

There are times when acute back pain flares up, and it is always recommended to rest the back for a time during these flare ups, and then start adding exercise back to your routine little by little. Well conditioned muscles will always be more resistant to injury so keeping toned and flexible is of utmost importance.

In addition to physical activity, there are numerous accessories that help keep back pain under control. For individuals who do a lot of lifting, it is wise to wear a lifting belt to provide back support. For driving and sitting, posture correcting seat cushions are a great idea, of course; proper posture at all times is vital to a healthy back.

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