Get Moving To Help Relive Back & Neck Pain

Here's one more reason to exercise: Physical inactivity contributes to chronic musculo-skeletal pain, which affects the muscles, ligaments, tendons and bones. People with chronic conditions such as back pain, arthritis, or neck pain suffer daily through pain, fatigue, and even depression, and more people are falling victim every day.

 In fact, some experts have characterized the increasing prevalence of musculoskeletal conditions as an epidemic.

According to a 2008 study published in BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, a connection exists between physical inactivity and chronic musculoskeletal complaints (MSCs). Study participants responded to questions regarding their physical activity 11 years prior to experiencing any MSCs.

 The researchers concluded, "In this large-scale population-based study, physical exercise was associated with lower prevalence of chronic MSCs, in particular chronic widespread MSCs [>15 days during the last month]. Furthermore, consistent medium activity level [120-179 min./week] was associated with [a] more than 50% lower prevalence of chronic widespread MSCs." (If you'd like to review the abstract of the BMC study, visit: www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2474/9/159.)

There you go - the latest in an ever-growing list of reasons to make exercise a part of your weekly routine. And remember, a consistent, balanced fitness program of cardio, muscle strengthening and stretching will do more than help in the prevention of chronic pain; it could also help prevent other serious conditions such as heart disease and hypertension.

Exercise Helps Prevent Low Back Pain

  If your chiropractor recommends exercise along with spinal adjusting to help prevent back pain, they're on to something: Research continues to assert the benefits of exercise for preventing low back pain.

 The most recent evidence: a study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) Internal Medicine, which reviewed a large body of eligible research (23 studies representing more than 30,000 participants) and determined exercise alone or combined with education reduced the risk of suffering an episode of LBP.

     Too many people turn to the medicine cabinet, their local pharmacy or even worse (because of the potential side effects / complications) their medical doctor for a prescription-strength medication or surgical consult when back pain flares up. As this review study suggests, there's no need to take such drastic steps, at least until conservative measures have been exhausted. Talk to your chiropractor about natural ways to prevent low back pain. You'll be glad you did.