The Best Sports for Bad Backs
By Sara Butler
Being active is great for your body. The problem is that sports, simply by their nature, can put a lot of strain on your spine. If you suffer from back problems, it’s wise to learn how to protect your back during exercise. After all, exercise can help to strengthen your back, so even if you suffer from issues related to your spine it’s better to get up and get moving. Here are some of the sports you should explore, and a few to be avoided, from the chiropractors at The Joint!
When You Hurt Your Back
Back pain and injury are quite common, impacting millions of people every year. If you’re nursing an injury or degenerative spinal condition, then you need to find a good balance between staying active and caring for your back. Chiropractors can help to lead the way to recovery and good health!
Exercises to Avoid
If you suffer from back issues, the best course of action will be to avoid sports or exercise that contorts your back into vulnerable positions, such as bending forward. Any sports that require forceful twists or jumping may also need to be avoided. High impact exercises that jar the spine in any way should be thought about carefully and discussed with a chiropractor before you start. Here are a few sports to avoid:
- Golf
- Tennis
- Football
- Basketball
- Gymnastics
Another sport that can be bad for your spine is cycling. It’s great aerobic exercise, but it also requires a forward bend that can be damaging, especially if you’re dealing with a preexisting condition. If you’re an avid cycler and want to continue, then discuss exercises to strengthen your back with a chiropractor.
Safe Sports
When you have a bad back, some sports are definitely safer than others. Just remember that even sports considered safe will need active effort on your part to keep your spine safe. No matter your sport of choice, core strengthening will be key. Discuss safe exercises to help your core with a chiropractor at The Joint! In the meantime, safer exercises include:
- Walking
- Swimming
- Low impact aerobics
- Tai chi
- Resistance training
- Yoga
- Skiing
When you’re trying to balance exercise and a bad back, you have to remember to think about where you are in the recovery process and proceed with caution. And before you try anything new, make sure to discuss the pros and cons of any exercise with a chiropractor at The Joint.
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor in San Jose at The Joint Chiropractic.