Back Pain Exercises

As someone with chronic back pain myself, I often get relief through acupuncture, chiropractic, and massage.  However, usually the results only last me around a day or so, then my low grade back pain returns.

Like me, many patients will not get lasting relief without strengthening and lengthening these chronically weak and spasmed muscles.  I was happy to get some relief through the Egoscue Pain Free DVD series.  The theory behind the Egoscue center and their exercises are to strengthen weak muscles, and lengthen spasmed ones.  This gives you good posture and bone alignment, which keeps back pain from returning.  The Egoscue method clinic also has a location in San Francisco where they give you an individualized treatment plan.

The DVDs are not “workout” videos but are exercises focused realigning muscles.  Making a habit of doing the exercises can help to prevent back, hip, and neck pain from returning.  Other methods of realigning the muscles in the body include yoga classes, tai chi, physical therapy, personal training (including weight lifting and stretching).   Many people may be surprised to learn that Chinese herbs, when prescribed by a licensed herbalist, can also help to ease chronic back pain.