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Don't Rest Aching Back: These Exercises Help Most
25 Sep
Summary
- Active therapies are more effective than rest for chronic low back pain.
- Pilates, stabilization, and strength training are top pain relievers.
- Stretching exercises were found to be the least effective treatment.
For individuals experiencing chronic low back pain, remaining active is more beneficial than resting, according to recent research. A 2019 analysis published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine examined 89 studies, concluding that active therapies are superior to rest for non-specific chronic low back pain (NSCLBP).
This type of pain, where a specific cause cannot be identified, affects the majority of chronic cases. Researchers identified four exercise styles as particularly effective. Pilates, stabilization exercises (like core strengthening), and motor control training (improving muscle coordination) showed significant benefits.
Strength training, involving progressive resistance, was also found to be highly effective. These active approaches encourage movement and progressive exercise. In contrast, stretching and McKenzie exercises were identified as the least effective treatments for NSCLBP. The NHS advises discontinuing any exercise that exacerbates back pain and consulting a GP if concerns persist.
