Yet, those of you experiencing chronic pain in your neck, back, or legs can find it difficult to walk. However, did you know that walking is one of the best therapeutic exercises in alleviating some of the pain? It even strengthens some of the adjoining muscles to boost your energy and reduce some of the triggers that are causing your pain.
Benefits You May Not Be Aware Of
Walking improves your core muscles and improves your posture. Poor posture can lead to serious spinal issues and back pain. So go for a walk to strengthen your abdominal muscles which will help you keep your spine properly aligned.
Walking stimulates the brain. Every step you take releases serotonin and endorphins which lowers your stress levels, increases feelings of relaxation, and decreases pain sensations.
As opposed to aerobics and other high-intensity workouts, walking is low impact exercise. It is gentler on your muscles and joints and reduces compression on your lower back.
Blood flow and circulation are improved through taking a simple walk. Poor circulation prevents your back from receiving the needed nutrients it needs to heal such as oxygen.
If you’re worried about getting the exercise your body craves due to lack of time or money, walking is free. Plus, you don’t need to walk for hours. Start off with about 10-minutes per day and increase the time as you see fit.
Walking is also one of the easiest ways to lose weight. The more weight that your body needs to carry each day, the more stress is put on your spine, legs, and muscles. So if you could shed a few pounds to lighten the load, take a hike. Well, at least go for a walk around the block. Your body will thank you.
There are numerous other benefits to walking. If you’re suffering from chronic pain, help your body help itself by taking the first step.
Contact Michigan Pain Consultants Today
Talk with the professionals at Michigan Pain Consultants today about Behavioral Medicine. We can help you with several options to help you “get back on your feet again”.
Make an appointment for a new patient consultation with one of our board-certified pain physicians. All of Michigan Pain Consultant’s physicians are Board Certified in Anesthesiology or Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation and have advanced training and experience in Pain Medicine. You can begin first by visiting online at MyLifeBeyondPain.com, MichiganPain.com, or by calling them at (800)281-3237. Michigan Pain Consultants – Better Treatments. Better Life.
With six locations throughout West Michigan, Michigan Pain Consultants comprehensive interdisciplinary approach to pain care offers patients and providers renewed hope for relief from chronic pain. Chronic pain should be treated like other chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, asthma, or congestive heart failure. Chronic pain requires chronic treatment. The goal of the treatment is to optimize the management of the pain, as opposed to curing the pain.