Understanding Pain
Diagnosis & Understanding
4. Neck Pain
1:55
6. Painful Diabetic Neuropathy
1:46
8. Foot Pain
1:50
9. Ankle and Foot Pain
1:46
10. Cancer Pain
1:34
Non-Surgical Treatment Options
2. Bracing
1:30
3. Acupuncture
2:13
4. Physical Therapy
1:35
5. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
2:08
Minimally Invasive & Surgical Treatments
2. Regenerative Medicine
2:06
5. Caudal Epidural
1:33
10. Sacroiliac Joint Fusion
1:39
11. Kyphoplasty and Vertebroplasty
2:05
12. Basivertebral Nerve Ablation
1:36
13. MILD Procedure
2:04
14. Spinal Decompression Surgeries
1:41
15. Artificial Disc Replacement
1:52
Robert Moghim MD
Anchor Healthcare
Exercise for Chronic Pain – What Helps and What Hurts
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Studies show that low-impact activities like walking, swimming, and stretching can help decrease pain by improving blood flow and reducing stiffness. Strength training, when done correctly, can also support muscles and joints, lowering strain on painful areas. Gentle movements such as yoga and tai chi have been shown to improve flexibility and pain tolerance in people with chronic conditions.
High-impact exercises, sudden movements, or overexertion can sometimes worsen pain. Research suggests that activities like heavy weightlifting, prolonged running, or repetitive high-stress motions can increase inflammation and strain sensitive areas. Modifying workouts and listening to your body can help prevent flare-ups.
Consistency is more important than intensity. Regular, moderate movement is often more beneficial than intense workouts followed by long periods of rest due to pain. If pain limits activity, alternative treatments like regenerative medicine, spinal cord stimulation (SCS) or physical therapy may help improve mobility.
Exercise should be part of a balanced pain management plan. Choosing the right movements and staying active in a safe, controlled way can help reduce pain and improve daily function over time.
FAQs
Can high-impact exercises worsen chronic pain?
Yes, high-impact exercises and sudden movements can sometimes worsen chronic pain by increasing inflammation and straining sensitive areas. Activities like heavy weightlifting, prolonged running, or repetitive high-stress motions may exacerbate pain and should be approached with caution.
How can exercise be integrated into a chronic pain management plan?
Exercise should be a part of a comprehensive pain management plan. By choosing appropriate movements and staying active in a safe, controlled manner, individuals can reduce pain and improve daily function over time. It is important to tailor exercise routines to individual needs and limitations for optimal benefits.
How does exercise consistency affect chronic pain management?
Consistency in exercise is crucial for chronic pain management. Regular, moderate movement, rather than intense workouts followed by long rest periods, is often more beneficial. Consistent activity can help maintain mobility and prevent pain flare-ups.
What should I do if exercise causes a pain flare-up?
If exercise causes a pain flare-up, it is important to listen to your body and modify your workouts. Consider alternative methods such as regenerative medicine, spinal cord stimulation (SCS), or physical therapy to maintain mobility and manage pain effectively.
What types of exercise are beneficial for managing chronic pain?
Low-impact activities such as walking, swimming, and stretching are beneficial because they improve blood flow and reduce stiffness. Additionally, gentle movements like yoga and tai chi can enhance flexibility and pain tolerance for individuals with chronic conditions. Proper strength training can also help support muscles and joints, decreasing the strain on painful areas.