So, you're suffering with back pain.
Should you take a break from exercise?
Many people believe that they should make efforts to avoid movement and exercise when suffering back pain. However, in actual fact, avoidance of movement can actually make things worse in the long term.
Being inactive, particularly to the point of bed rest, is associated with joint stiffness, loss of strength and bone mineral density, weight gain and an increased fear of movement that can lead to persistent (chronic) pain, more time spent off work and reduced recovery rates.
Various studies have shown that the quicker you can get back to being active following an episode of back pain, the better the chances of recovery. In fact, there is strong evidence to suggest that exercise therapy is more effective than GP care for reducing pain and disability, and moderate evidence to show that exercise therapy is more effective than passive treatments (such as massage and manipulation) for the same.
"there is strong evidence to suggest that exercise therapy is more effective than GP care for reducing pain and disability"
Specialist exercise programmes can guide those experiencing pain through gentle exercise to re-expose the body to movement and promote a return to normal activity.
NICE guidelines recommend seeking group exercise programmes for those suffering from back pain and to consider manual/passive therapies as treatment in conjunction with exercise.
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