Is it better for chronic pain to start exercising and stop, or not exercising at all?

Question

I just read an article on Yahoo that says exercise helps with chronic pain. It also says stopping exercise will probably make the pain worse: http://health.yahoo.com/pain-management-2007/levy/86/got-pain-exercise-it-away/
So my question is, would it be better to start exercising and have to stop later, or not start exercising at all and stay with the current low pain level?

Answer 1

The key is to start slow and be very progressive and gradual in building up your exercise level.

The most common problem I have seen people have is being inpatient, doing too much, exacerbating their pain, then getting discouraged and not doing anything for a while. Down the road, they decide they really should be exercising, they get inpatient, and start the cycle all over again.

If you take your time and start easy, you should be able to start exercising and not have to stop later.

Types of exercising? Unless you have a specific type of problem that prevents it, walking is best to start with. Yoga is also good if you have a teacher that understands chronic pain and will accommodate and modify to meet your needs.

Good luck

Barry Hughes, Ph.D.

http://www.chronic-pain-alternatives.com

Answer 2

I know exactly how you feel...........i have chronic pain also due to severe scoliosis. All i can tell you is try the chiropractor or try accupuncture (i hear this really helps). Unfortunutely, i had to have my lumber fused so there really isn't much more i can do except take my pain meds and do water areobics. I'm still in pain but nothing like i was before the surgery. I lost 2 inches and this threw (i believe) my body ALL OUT OF WHACK so now i've ended up having a minor knee surgery so that i can have a total hip replacement!!!!!!!!!!!!! SO tust me, things could be worse for you as they have been for me. What you need to do first thing is find a really GOOD spine doctor....a specialist!!!!!!! which i did, i live in Texas so i go to Houston where they have the BEST doctors there in the Medical Center. My doctor is Dr. Stephen I. Esses and he specializes in the spine, he is wonderful. And now i have a doctor who specializes in hip replacements so i feel like i'm in good hands!!!!!!!!!!!!! GOOD luck.............................OH! Yes, i take 1 xanex at bedtime bc it is and can be very depressing not being able to do any of the things that you use to. I'm going through a divorce right now partly bc of this ????????????????????? Some support, huh???

Answer 3

If one can do a little bit of exercise every day it can sometimes help with the chronic pain. I would recommend checking with your doctor as well to see what they say.