Why do we need to maintain exercise for low back pain? Many of us will experience low back pain at some point. For some, it can become chronic, impacting daily life in various ways. Chronic low back pain (LBP) can lead to poor sleep, a bad mood, and difficulties at work and socialising and so on.
Chronic LBP is the outcome of a mix of different factors, such as:
- Biological factors may include anatomical changes (herniated disc or degenerative changes), muscle imbalances (patterns of weakness or poor muscular control), inflammation (inflammatory markers in the blood due to tissue damage can increase the sensation of pain)
- Psychological factors may include stress, anxiety and depression influencing the way we perceive pain, or fear-avoidance beliefs reducing how much we use our back and further leading to muscle deconditioning.
- Social factors may include support systems around you such as your family and work environment or your financial position and ability to seek health care.
Key points
- Chronic LBP can create a cycle that’s hard to break. For instance, stress and poor sleep can cause back pain, which then leads to more stress and worse sleep.
- Not everyone’s chronic LBP is the same. One person might have a herniated disc, while another might not. Sleep quality may be a big factor for one person, and not for another.
There isn’t one singular common cause for chronic low back pain. One relatively effective way to break the cycle of chronic LBP is to get moving!
Regular exercise can improve pain and function. But it’s important to note consistency is key. One exercise session won’t reduce pain. Ongoing, consistent exercise is necessary. Despite this, up to 70% of people with chronic LBP don’t stick to their exercise routines and are less active than those without LBP.
Making Exercise Work
To help people with chronic LBP stick to exercise, each program needs to be unique and tailored to the individual. Healthcare providers can develop more effective and sustainable exercise programs that achieve lasting pain relief and improve function over the long term by addressing the barriers and enablers for each person. Remember, it’s not a one-size-fits-all approach. For instance, a single person’s experience of exercise could range from extremely unpleasant to very enjoyable, influencing their motivation to continue.
Barriers and enablers to exercise
Tailoring exercise programs to fit your life, can make it easier to stick with them. As an example, by considering and addressing each of the following factors your ability to maintain consistency will increase.
- Back Pain and Disability: If your back pain limits your ability to exercise, it can be a barrier. However, exercise can help you regain function and act as a motivator.
- Motivation and Mental Health: Your motivation, fear of pain, and mental health play a big role in whether you stick to an exercise routine.
- Support System: Encouragement and support from family, friends, and healthcare providers are crucial. They can help you stay on track.
- Practical Concerns: Access to exercise facilities, having enough time, and financial constraints can affect your ability to exercise regularly.
If you’re looking to set up an exercise program to help you get out of back pain, we’re more than happy to work with you to find a regime that works for you and to support you as you work to get control of your pain.
