When it comes to the treatment of lower back pain, strengthening and stretching exercises are just as important as chiropractic care is; however, if a patient has a history of heart problems, it is critical for the patient to consult with both their primary care doctor and their chiropractor in order to ensure that their heart is in the proper condition to tolerate cardiovascular fitness promoting activities. The instructions for the physical activities that are enforced by the chiropractor are designed specifically for the patient’s health condition. Ideally, the exercise plan will be a reasonable amount that the patient will be able to do daily, and will enjoy, while also participating in chiropractic treatment.
Studies show that proper, regular exercise, done correctly helps greatly in maintaining a measurable decrease in acute and chronic lower back pain, keeping patients working, improving their quality of life, preventing further back pains, and strengthening the lower back. In addition, in conjunction with chiropractic care, aerobic exercise increases proper digestions, promotes healthy muscle tone and better circulation. Simply going for an energizing walk around the block at least once or twice is an easy activity. Household and work tasks can double as exercise activities as well. As long as you are moving, you are exercising!
Ways To Exercise
There are many helpful back exercises for patients that are also participating in chiropractic care for lower back pain.
- If a patient finds that they have the most pleasure when they are bending over, they should exercise bending over by pulling their knees to their chest doing posterior pelvic tilts.
- If a patient experiences the least amount of pain when they are in extension, then they should do press-up type exercises.
- They should also strengthen the pelvic muscles.
Did You Know That?
- There is legitimate evidence pointing that exercise is as effective as many other non-surgical treatments for intense lower back pain.
- There is evidence that supports use of exercise programs in occupational settings for subacute lower back pain
Just like with chiropractic therapy, it is also critical for chiropractors to regularly perform re-evaluations of exercise programs following therapeutic trials to ensure effectiveness. Performing exercises on the spinal range of motion as a measurement of how effective the exercises are on the body is one good way in which the chiropractor can make the determination.
Chiropractic therapy plays an extremely important role in today’s healthcare picture.
The Benefits Of Exercise Combined With Chiropractic:
- It restores the back’s endurance, strength, and bulk to untrained muscle groups. This is extremely important to returning the patient back to the original functioning state.
- It increases blood flowing to the injured tissues which increases the speed of the healing process.
- It stops the fibrinous adhesions with muscle contractions and joint motions from forming and reduces them even after they have formed.
- It restores aerobic capacity to the pre-injury state if the patient’s employment or normal lifestyle needs it.
- It reduces pain overall though the pain pathway which releases endorphins and other neuroactive substances.
Once the chiropractor has determined that the patient would do very well with an exercise routine, there are many factors to consider. If there is any worry that the patient’s ailment is not going to react to the treatment, it should be gone about with caution. The chiropractor and the patient should always consider the following:
The patient must always follow the exercises correctly.
- A good exercise program should include the following pieces of equipment:
- weight machines cable machines
- pools
- a matted floor
- treadmills, aerobic exercise machines, stationary bicycles
- weights (barbells and dumbbells)
- benches
Exercise while being in chiropractic treatment is, if possible, is not only important, it is essential. It aids in building the strength of the patient and can also help to accelerate the healing process in more than multiple forms. The most important thing to do is first get the permission of your primary care doctor and your chiropractor prior to beginning your exercise routine so as not to cause any further injuries to your body or agitate any pre-existing conditions. The point of the exercise is to make the body better, not worse! After time, if the exercises are done properly, you will find that the chiropractic therapy is improving faster and soon you will be on the road to a pain-free life! The idea of a life without the constant struggle of a pain seems out of reach now; however, if you formulate the right exercise routine, combined with the right chiropractic therapy, it does not have to be. The idea can be a reality. With a little work, the right chiropractor, and some dedication to the proper exercises, anyone can manage their even the worst chronic pain.
BIO
William Vanderbrook
Dr. William Vanderbrook is proud to practice medicine in his home state of Florida. Born in Miami, he studied at the University of South Florida and Regents College. Dr. Vanderbrook continued to Life University where he received his chiropractic degree in 2000. With over fifteen years of practicing in Boca Raton, Florida, he specializes in blending the most modern medical techniques with other alternative methods for optimal health and wellness of his patients at Modern Medicine. Dr. Vanderbrook and his team collaborate bringing his patients health care services ranging from orthopedics and chiropractics to physical therapy and massage.