ISSUE #4 OF 6 IN AN E-MAIL SERIES Exercise to prevent and relieve back pain Back pain shouldn’t stand in the way of your exercise routine. However, when back pain strikes, you’ll want to focus on workouts that will you get back to your normal activities as soon as possible — and that will help you maintain strong and flexible muscles that are less prone to injury. Any exercise program should be customized to meet your specific needs and goals. If you are experiencing back pain, exercise should be introduced (or re-introduced) gradually and when you are feeling reasonably comfortable. If you were exercising regularly before an episode of back pain and then had to slow down or stop for a while, get back to your usual workouts slowly. Do a little less than you normally do (fewer minutes or repetitions) and steadily build back up to where you were before. Get your copy of Back Pain Treatment of low back pain has undergone a recent sea change. Experts now appreciate the central role of exercise to build muscles that support the back. This Special Health Report, Back Pain: Finding solutions to heal your aching back, helps you understand why back pain occurs and which treatments are most likely to help. This report describes the different types of back problems and the tailored treatments that are more likely to help specific conditions. Building muscles Stretching and strengthening both your back and abdominal muscles is important not only for treating low back pain, but to help prevent it as well. Strong abdominal muscles, for example, help maintain healthy posture and minimize back strain. In addition, the muscles of the upper legs should be flexible and strong to help support the muscles that support the back. Stretching Stretching is important for anyone who struggles with back problems. Supple, well-stretched muscles are less prone to injury. Shorter, less flexible muscles and connective tissues restrict joint mobility, which increases the likelihood of sprains and strains. Stretch regularly but gently, without bouncing, as that can cause tissue injury. Beginners should start by holding each stretch for a short time and gradually build up to holding each stretch for roughly 30 seconds. For more on easing and preventing back pain, buy Back Pain: Finding solutions for your aching back, a Special Health Report from Harvard Medical School. Featured in this issue Back Pain Featured content: • Why does your back hurt? • The anatomy of your back • Causes of back pain • Diagnosing back pain • Creating a treatment strategy •  ... and more! Click here to read more »