What exercises may reduce low back pain?
Exercises that may help reduce or prevent low back pain include: • Aerobic exercise, to condition your heart and other muscles, maintain health, and speed recovery. • Strengthening exercises, focusing on your back, stomach, and leg muscles. • Stretching exercises, to keep your muscles and other supporting tissues flexible and less prone to injury. Some exercises can aggravate back pain. If you have low back pain, avoid: • Straight leg sit-ups. • Bent leg sit-ups or partial sit-ups (curl-ups) when you have acute back pain. • Lifting both legs while lying on your back (leg lifts). • Lifting heavy weights above the waist (standing military press or bicep curls). • Toe touches while standing. Test Your Knowledge Do not exercise if you have low back pain. True False Continue to Why is it important to do exercises for low back pain?
