If you live with chronic back pain, 2016 may be the year to find new ways to achieve freedom from it. There are many ways to reduce pain, but one important way is to achieve regular low impact aerobic exercise several times per week.
One popular way to manage this is to take up a walking routine. This exercise not only reduces inflammation and strengthens your muscles, it also provides expedited healing by sending oxygen-rich blood to your problem areas.
If you are considering walking to reduce pain, here are some tips to help you get started:
- Invest in a comfortable and high quality pair of walking shoes. You can find these at your local running specialty shop. When you find the shoes that match your stride, you can reduce the stress that walking places on your back.
- Find a way to add walking into your schedule so you can’t skip it. For example: walk to the train everyday or walk during your lunch break.
- If you have trouble walking due to balance or weakness, consider a walker or cane. You can walk in an area of comfort, like inside to avoid possible tripping hazards.
- If walking is too jarring on your spine, walking on a treadmill is always an option.
Depending on where your activity level is, you may want to start small and work your way up. Eventually, you should try to walk for 30 minutes at least 3-4 times each week. To discuss other things you can do to reduce your chronic back pain, click here to contact a chiropractor in Vancouver WA today.