Exercise helps lower back pain, experts say

Most people suffer from lower back pain at one point or another, but treating it remains hit and miss.

Research reported by Reuters says that 80 percent of all people will suffer from some sort of back pain during their lives.

An estimated 90 percent of all chronic pain sufferers are prescribed opioid pain medications for treatment. Although they may work as a treatment for a short period, opioids don’t work in the long-term and can also cause a host of negative side effects.

Exercise can help with pain.

The most important areas to target for lower back pain are, perhaps unsurprisingly, located near the lower back.These include the back extensors, deep core stabilizers, glutes, and abdominals. Secondary areas include the upper leg muscles as they act as support structures for the back.

According to Prevention Magazine, target the back with the half lunge, stretching, basic yoga like the child’s pose, and strength training movements like the squat.

Using the squat as an example, this exercise helps to stabilize and strengthen the whole body and helps prepare the body for actions that would typically cause back pain like picking up a child or lifting a heavy box.  If the muscles are strong and secure, there is much less chance of an injury.

The best part of these methods is that in many cases all of these routines can be performed for free and in the comfort of your home.

According to popular fitness blog Greatist, back-strengthening exercises, breathing, and yoga all work to prevent the weaknesses that can come from modern society’s increasingly sedentary lifestyle.

Performing these movements also helps the body to tolerate more activity as it ages which can contribute to longer lifespans with longer periods of health.