Is Back Pain Slowing You Down?

"Back Pain", the mind numbing problem that some statistics say up to 80% of Americans will experience.  Then National Academy of Sports Medicine actually states that up to 30% of Americans are in back pain at any one time!  So, how do you get better?  How should you manage it?  Where do you get help?

How do you get better?

First, you need to take control.  Do not count on someone else to fix your problem.  Educate yourself about your condition.  Seek advice from your Doctor Medcial Back Information, ChiropractorChiropractic Information, Physical Therapist Physical Therapy Information or yes a Personal Trainer Personal Training Information.  There are many specialty clinics that work with back pain patients.   I can tell you that after 20 years of working in health and fitness that most people with pain can change their situation.  I have seen it.  You need to believe it!  Being lazy and not getting into a program will get you nowhere fast.  In fact, it will make matters worse for most back pain sufferers.   There are billions of dollars spent each year on back and neck pain.  I am confident that much of that can be reduced just by educating yourself and being proactive.

How Should you Manage Back or Neck Pain?

Managing back and neck pain almost always involves exercise.  Avoid becoming a statistic.  When you're in pain most people begin with rest, stay in bed, or over time become more and more sedentary.  This is a huge mistake.  The vicious cycle of weight gain, decondtioning, increased pain, weakness, less energy for family, work and recreation will destroy your zest for life.  Keep moving!   Is moving around the house enough?  NO it isn't.  A corrective strategy to help you balance strength (stability) and mobility is the key.  In most cases people need to strengthen key muscles.   These muscles are generally different from one person to the next.  A Jump Start Muscle Activation MAT information assessment is a good place to start.   I am confident that a sound strategy for managing back pain requires exercise and specifically strengthening the correct areas. 

Where do I get help?

Do you have friends that have worked with a Doctor, Chiropractor, Therapist, or Personal Trainer?  Ask what kind of help they got from working with them?  Keep in mind there are many opinions as to how to approach your pain.  As a Personal Trainer I always start with a comprehensive review of your health history, exercise history and Muscle Activation assessment.   More general movement screenings are also used in many cases.   The information regarding your body can then be used to manage your exercise program and recommendations.  Seek the professional advice you feel is best.  If a Personal Trainer is something you want to look into, you can contact me at brian@optimalhealthperformance.com.   Look to future blogs for some of the common exercises used for general mechanical pain issues.