Dr. Scott Hodges, Center for Sports Medicine & Orthopaedics; member, Chattanooga-Hamilton County Medical SocietyQ: I was told exercise could help treat my back pain, but that doesn’t make sense to me. Could you explain it?
A: Stretching and strengthening exercises will reduce your pain by reducing the stress put on your lower back. Hamstring stretches, for example, can reduce pain by lessening the load on your lower spine. Similarly, core-strengthening exercises support your body almost like a brace, which allows for better weight distribution along your spine. When you stretch and strengthen your muscles, you increase the number of nutrients transferred to your spinal discs, which in turn will prolong the life span of the discs and slow down the degenerative process.
Movement also helps your body produce synovial fluid, which preserves the cartilage in the joints of your back. If you’re just getting started, I recommend beginning with low-impact aerobic exercises like walking, riding a stationary bike, using an elliptical or trying some form of water therapy. These will give you the benefits of exercise without putting too much stress on your joints.
– Dr. Scott Hodges, Center for Sports Medicine & Orthopaedics; member, Chattanooga-Hamilton County Medical Society