Chronic pain can be debilitating, and while it can seem like it’s never going away, there are ways to prevent and treat chronic pain. One of the ways to help with chronic pain is to exercise. Strenuous activity may be the last thing on your mind if you’re constantly hurting, but there are various types of exercises that don’t have to hurt and will help improve your pain. So, don’t be afraid to consider exercise, as it can help in these ways.
Strengthens supporting muscles
If you suffer from chronic pain, it could be because the muscles that support your bones aren’t strong enough to do what they’re meant to. Your spine especially needs muscles to support your weight and cushion your movements. The joints in your spine may try to find support from somewhere else in your body, which can put unnecessary pressure on your joints and bones. Exercise and core strengthening can also improve your posture since your muscles are getting stronger which makes sitting up straight easier.
Helps prevent obesity
Obesity can cause or worsen chronic pain by putting extra weight on your body. With the extra weight, your body must work to compensate, which could cause chronic pain. Exercising can reduce the amount of pressure your own body puts on itself. Through exercise and a healthy diet, you can maintain a weight that won’t cause you pain.
Increased flexibility
Exercise also includes stretching exercises and sessions. When you stretch, you get more range of motion in your muscles and can help you with your everyday movements like reaching for something on a high shelf or bending over to pick up something off the floor. Stretching can also help improve the kind of exercises you do and the quality of how you perform them.
Improved mental health
It can be hard to not enjoy the activities you used to due to chronic pain, which is why sufferers can fall into depression or anxiety. Exercise releases endorphins, which can help improve your mood while helping with the pain so you can get back to doing your daily activities without suffering from the simplest tasks.
Exercising doesn’t have to be strenuous, and it’s pertinent to know your pain levels and how much you can handle. Don’t ignore your body, and make sure you talk to a professional about what exercises will work best for your pain. A treatment center like Riverside Pain Physicians in Jacksonville can help you with your coastal spine and pain management and can tell you if exercise is what you need to kick that chronic pain from your life.
