Back Pain? Keep Moving!

Moving while you have a sore back may feel counterintuitive, but research suggests it may be a good way for your to recover.

Whether you slept wrong or exercised too intensely, your back hurts, and you are not sure what to do. What you should not do, however, is lie in bed. Research suggests prolonged bed rest may cause your back muscles to stiffen and lose strength and flexibility. Getting your blood moving helps reduce inflammation and reduces tension in your muscles.

The North American Spine Society recommends continuing your daily activities to the best of your ability. You may find you are able to do this comfortably and even feel better.

How to Find Relief

Some other methods you can use to control your back pain include:

• Applying heat or ice to your back
• Taking over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory pain medication, such as ibuprofen
• Participating in physical therapy, if your back pain does not resolve on its own and your primary care recommends it

In most cases, back pain will go away on its own. If your back pain does not improve after three months, you may have chronic back pain, or it may be a sign of another underlying condition. Speak with your primary care provider about diagnoses and treatment options.