Make sure you're doing the right kind of activity to help protect your spine.
Keeping Fit
Gentle exercise can build strong back and stomach muscles to support your spine and maintain flexibility.
Walking and cycling are easy to incorporate into your daily lifestyle. Swimming is particularly good for backs, because it strengthens the muscles while supporting the body with water. However, some strokes may not be suitable, so get professional advice.
Getting Started
Following a regular exercise routine is a good idea, but if you have a bad back you should consult your doctor or physiotherapist about what exercise is safe.
Try to get a personal assessment - a qualified physiotherapist, osteopath or chiropractor can give you an exercise routine tailored to your own needs.
If you go to an exercise class, check it's run by a qualified teacher and that the teacher knows you have a bad back. A lot of commonly performed exercises may not be suitable for you.
Exercise Dos And Don'ts
When exercising, make sure you do:
- Choose exercises suitable to your level and work up gradually
- Take things at your own pace
- Drink water before, during and after exercise
- Do gentle warm-up stretches before and after exercising
- Wear good footwear and appropriate clothing
- Enjoy yourself
Don't:
- Continue with an activity if it hurts your back
- Eat a large meal before exercising
- Perform exercises on a stone or concrete floor
- Exercise if you feel ill
- Do exercises that put weight or excessive strain on an acutely painful joint or spine
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