Exercises to Combat Back Pain

Back pain is a widespread issue, with lower back pain being the most frequent musculoskeletal problem worldwide. Approximately 65% of people experience back pain at some point in their lives.
There are numerous methods to address and manage back pain, making it challenging to decide on the initial course of action. However, incorporating exercise and stretching into the process is crucial for managing or preventing discomfort and pain.

In this article, we will discuss back pain prevention and provide insights into common causes, effective treatment and preventative exercises, and the significance of exercise and stretching for enhancing back strength and resilience.

Understanding Back Pain

Back pain is highly prevalent due to its occurrence in various scenarios and circumstances, such as poor posture, obesity, inactivity, heavy lifting, overtraining, and sudden everyday movements.
The back is susceptible to injury, with even simple actions potentially causing inflammation. Back pain can also arise from other health conditions, like arthritis and osteoporosis.

Most back pain instances result from strains or sprains of the muscles, tendons, or ligaments in the back. Since many people neglect to strengthen their core muscles to support the back, it becomes more prone to injury and pain.

Common Back Injuries

Frequent back injuries involve the muscles supporting the lumbar spine, the latissimus dorsi, and the rhomboids. These injuries usually consist of strains and tears.
Spine-related injuries include ligament sprains, herniated discs, and vertebral fractures. Sciatica, a condition where a herniated disc in the lumbar spine compresses the nerve root, can also occur.

Here is a summary of the most commonly reported back injuries:

Sprains and Strains

Back sprains or strains involve excessive stretching or tearing of a ligament or muscle, often caused by heavy lifting or unnatural body movement.

Herniated Disks

Herniated disks occur when the soft, jelly-like tissue between vertebrae starts to bulge or rupture, causing pain due to pressure on the adjacent nerve.

Vertebral Fractures

Vertebral fractures are dislocations or breaks of the vertebral bone, typically resulting from sports injuries, vehicle accidents, or significant falls. These injuries are often not preventable, as they occur accidentally.
Preventing or minimizing back injuries involves strengthening the surrounding tissue to enhance its preparedness and resilience.

Best Back Strengthening Exercises

The most effective approach to prevent and combat back pain is through targeted exercises that focus on the core and posterior chain, without putting the back in a vulnerable position.
When choosing a workout method for the back, consider machines that offer controlled movement and teach proper form, as they can prevent potential exercise-related accidents.

Below are some of the best exercises for strengthening back muscles, reducing the risk of injury, and preventing back pain. Note that these exercises are for prevention, not for injured backs.

The Plank

While not an obvious back exercise, the plank works the entire core of the posterior chain. Strengthening the core can help prevent back pain and injury.

The Squat

Squats, including air squats, barbell squats, and goblet squats, are excellent compound lifts that strengthen the lower extremity and posterior chain, reducing the risk of lower back pain. Ensure proper technique before adding weight to prevent injury.

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Dead Hang

The dead hang may seem like a simple stretch, but it is an effective method for decompressing the spine and lower back. It releases tension that may contribute to back pain while also training core stability, core strength, and back strength.

Plyometrics

Plyometric exercises involve rapid, powerful, explosive movements. While it’s essential to target back muscles for strengthening, it’s also crucial to expose the spine to controlled instability. This helps the spine become more resilient and responsive to changes in movement, decreasing the risk of injury in case of sudden movements or accidents.
Additionally, general activities such as walking, swimming, water aerobics, and yoga can serve as effective prevention or management strategies for back pain.

Conclusion

According to a meta-analysis of 25 major studies, one of the most effective ways to prevent back pain is through regular physical activity and exercise. By employing safe techniques to exercise the back, it is possible to prevent injuries and pain.