Take a Walk to Reduce Back Pain

By Donna Stark

There are a lot of things that gravity is good for. It's what keeps our feet on the ground and what makes things fall when they're dropped. It's what keeps the Earth in orbit and what pulls down the air we breathe. Simply put, gravity is what holds our world together and there is no way we could live the way we do without it. It's good for us. But in some ways, gravity is not our friend, and one of those ways is when it hurts our spines.

Gravity and Back Pain

From the moment you get out of bed in the morning to the second your head hits the pillow at night, the pressure of gravity compresses your spine. You know what compression is, right? It's when something gets flattened or squeezed, and like gravity, sometimes it can be good while other times, it can be quite the opposite. When it happens to your spine, it's the opposite, but don't panic yet! And don't commit to a horizontal life in bed every day. There is something that you can do that can help to combat the damage that gravity has on your spine and fortunately, you have known how to do this since you were a toddler. It's walking. And it can be exceptionally helpful when fighting against back pain. Take a look at the reasons why.

• Provides the spine with increased support by strengthening your muscles
• Increases circulation throughout your spine
• Helps to rehydrate your discs
• Helps to keep your spine "younger"
• Helps to improve mobility, flexibility, and range of motion in the spine
• Alleviates back pain
• Reduces excess stress on the spine
• Improves posture

Getting Started

If you are already experiencing pain in your back, you are going to want to make sure you start slowly so you can safely incorporate it into your daily fitness routine. Here are some suggestions.

• Shoot for 30 minutes of walking at least a couple of times a week
• Make sure your shoes are properly fitted and offer plenty of arch support
• Wear clothes that are weather-appropriate and comfortable
• Wear socks to help prevent blisters
• Choose an area or path that is safe and one that you are familiar with
• Bring plenty of water

You may think that you are only walking to reduce your back pain, but it's also a great way to improve your overall health and wellness! So put up a good fight and say no to gravity and your couch! Get up, grab your shoes, and head outdoors for an exhilarating walk!

To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Littleton, Colo.