Moving more with back pain

Physical activity reduces the risk of back pain by up to 25%.

• A variety of strength activities that do not over-stress the lower back can alleviate back pain. General leisure time activities are recommended for people with lower back pain but you should seek advice about heavier sporting activities and excessive overall levels of physical activity. Posture based exercise (e.g. pilates, yoga) to increase endurance of the abdominal and back muscles may be helpful.
• Osteoporosis - Physical activity can increase bone mineral density in adolescents, maintain it in young adults, and slow its decline in old age.
• Osteoarthritis - Physical activity can have beneficial effects for people with osteoarthritis, including those who have had a joint replacement.

In order to help plan the next steps, think about following:

• How would you like things to be different?
• What have you tried before to make yourself feel better and in less pain?
• What were the good things about what you tried previously and what are the less good things about it?
• What will you do next?

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