Should You Work through the Pain?
If you suffer from a lower back condition—like a lumbar herniated disc or spinal stenosis—your doctor will likely recommend exercise as part of your treatment program.
But what should you do if your exercise regimen exacerbates your lower back condition? Should you work through the pain?
Soreness vs. pain related to a lower back condition
Before we talk about whether you should work through your lower back pain, let’s quickly look at the difference between soreness and pain related to a lower back condition. Minor soreness is a natural result of exercise, and it is especially prominent amongst those who are new to exercising.
Soreness is characterized by a dull, aching feeling—and your back muscles may also feel tender or rigid. It is important to note that soreness from exercise typically subsides within 24 to 72 hours.
In contrast, pain related to a lower back injury is your body’s way of telling you that you are doing something wrong. This pain is typically moderate to severe, and often results in restrictions to your day-to-day functioning. So if you have to adjust your daily schedule as a result of lower back pain after exercise, this pain is likely related to a lower back condition.
Should you work through your lower back pain?
If a particular exercise is exacerbating your lower back pain, you should not try to work through the pain. This is because, as previously mentioned, pain is typically your body’s way of telling you that you’re doing something wrong. Your pain may be alerting you to any of the following:
- You are performing the particular exercise wrong
- The exercise you are performing is not designed for your lower back condition
- You have another injury or lower back condition you are not aware of
Continue reading the full article from Dipan Patel, MD Spine Health here.