Question: I have back pain and my doctor insists that I should be more active but I am afraid that I will make things worse if I start exercising.  Can you help?

Answer: Often people with back pain are afraid that movement or activity may be harmful.  Dr. Stephen Hochschuler, co-founder and orthopeadic surgeon with the Texas Back Institute writes, “Controlled gradual and progressive exercise, rather than inactivity and bed rest most often provides the best long-term solution for reducing back pain.” He further adds that most experts recommend no more than one or two days rest at the onset of most episodes of back pain.

“Prolonged inactivity can actually increase back pain as the back becomes stiff, weak, and deconditioned,” states Dr. Hoschuler in his article Back Exercise and Fitness for Back Pain Relief.

Although, international guidelines for patients with low back pain vary, all agree that patients should be advised to stay active and most advise exercise therapy for chronic low back pain.

Another back specialist, Dr. Vert Mooney, medical director of U.S. Spine and Sport, agrees with Hoschuler. Mooney, a clinical professor of orthopaedics at the University of California, explains that one of the keys to recovering from back pain is to “undergo proper rehabilitation in terms of stretching, strengthening and aerobic conditioning of the back and body.”

Furthermore, Dr. Mooney explains that an episode of back pain that lasts for more than two weeks should be treated with proper strengthening exercises to prevent a recurring cycle of pain and weakness.

Shaun Karp is a certified personal trainer.  For further information call his office at 604-420-7800 or go to www.karpfitness.com.