For decades, bed rest was the gold standard advice for a sore back. As more research is published, we now know the opposite is true. Prolonged rest weakens the muscles that support our spine and our everyday activities, stiffens joints, and over time makes the pain worse.
Regular movement not only helps to strengthen the main muscles we require for a certain activity, but also indirectly strengthens accessory muscles and core. It improves blood flow and over time makes the nervous system less sensitive to pain signals.
More importantly, movement protects independence and maintains leg strength, balance, supports better sleep and lifts moods. These are important physiological responses, as both poor sleep and low mood amplify pain.
Our exercise choice doesn’t have to be complicated. It can be as simple as starting to walk around the house for 5 minutes and gradually increasing the time by 1 minute each week. Some stiffness or mild soreness when beginning is normal. Sharp or worsening pain is not, so it is also important to listen to your body.