Exercises for Lower Back Pain

Abstract

Exercise is very important for good spine health. Exercise helps spinal health in a number of ways. Exercise to achieve and maintain a healthy weight is important because excess weight places additional unhealthy stresses on the spine. Cardiovascular exercise in general is helpful because good overall health and proper blood flow throughout the body and to the spine aid in achieving spinal health. Weight-bearing exercise is important to help with maintaining good bone density. The most important exercises for spinal health are exercises that target the muscles that directly relieve the pressure from the spine. This chapter focuses on these exercises, but it is important to emphasize to patients that these exercises belong as part of an overall healthy lifestyle and as part of that a broader exercise program.