Practical things that can help a bad back; Part five

Improving the pain in your back can be as simple as taking a look at all of the things in our lives that we take for granted. Practical things that may help a bad back part five stay active; this may sound impossible at first, when all you want to do is protect your back from further damage. It is important however to keep your back fit and healthy. Consult with your GP about the best time to begin.

You don’t need to run a marathon or become obsessed with exercise to get fit. A 2004 study in The Spine Journal showed that a single session of an exercise such as walking can reduce low back pain 10 to 15 per cent. A 1993 study also found that just 10 minutes of walking led to a significant reduction in back pain.

Regular walking in good shoes and on even ground is a good exercise for your entire body. It’s also good for the spirit, especially if you can walk scenic routes with great views and lots of fresh air. Make sure you always walk in a straight posture, with your shoulders back, chest open and head up.

When you do any physical activity, start at a low level and increase slowly. Doing too much too fast can lead to injuries that set you back, instead increase the amount you do slowly.  If you can tolerate only a five-minute walk, then start by walking just the five minutes, two or three times a week, as slowly as you like.

To increase the amount of walking you do, take it up a notch by adding one more day per week. This should be a natural process while you adjust to your walking exercise regime…

Always consult your GP at the onset of back pain and before trying any alternative therapies or exercise regimes.