Benefits of Exercise in Managing Pain

When experiencing recurring or persistent pain in the body, exercise is not usually the first solution that comes to mind. In fact, most people have the tendency to avoid any sort of physical activity, as it is a natural assumption that being physically active could further their pain.

This seems like common sense, and in many ways, it is, but when applied correctly and under supervision, the benefits of exercise in managing pain offers a low-impact and healthy option that can augment or even bypass more involved treatments.

The Relationship Between Pain and Exercise

It is common knowledge among physicians that exercise has short-term analgesic effects; when muscles are subjected to stress, the body releases endorphins – the neurochemical that inhibits pain.

However, recent research has suggested that there are long-term benefits as well. In a study that compared regular exercisers to a control group, researchers found that increased tolerance and thresholds among the benefits of exercise in managing pain.

Dr. Martinez and his team of physicians explore the use of customizable physical activity routines to not only help our patients gain strength, but ultimately decrease pain. The most common exercises include stretching, strengthening, and cardiovascular exercises, depending on the injury or illnesses causing the pain.

Dr. Martinez’s clinic in San Antonio specializes in treating many types of pain by implementing exercises. The following are just some examples of how exercise can improve common pain points.

Back pain exercises:

Although patients with back injuries and back pain may be inclined to believe that staying stagnant and in bed is best for their condition, bedrest and limited movement can actually worsen pain. Instead, a tailored program focused on exercises for lower back pain or upper back pain can be the key to rehabilitating the spine and alleviating pain.

Although you should consult an experienced physician before performing exercises, some of the most effective back pain exercises can come in multiple forms, from yoga stretches, such as child’s pose or downward-facing dog, to side planks and other rug or mat exercises intended to strengthen muscles, alleviate stiffness, and improve mobility.

Neck pain exercises:

Neck pain is extremely common, as it most often results from sitting at a computer too long, constant smartphone use, and sleeping poorly. Neck pain can even cause chronic headaches and lead to upper back pain should it not be treated properly.

Some neck pain exercises commonly used to alleviate pain include neck tilts, neck turns, and neck stretches. These exercises can help stretch your neck and prevent you from experiencing more pain in the future.

Other areas of pain management:

For those suffering from leg or knee pain, low-impact cardiovascular exercise such swimming or aqua-aerobics are often recommended, as these are easier on the joints. Pilates are also an alternative that minimizes stress and weight upon the joints.

While there are many benefits of exercise in managing pain, pain is also an indicator that the body is in danger of damage and shouldn’t be ignored. If at any point during an exercise you feel pain that is more intense than usual, you should immediately stop. Especially with pain that stems from a recent or unhealed injury or medical procedure, exercise should be prescribed by and performed under the supervision of a medical professional.

Call Dr. Raul G. Martinez Today

As a non-pharmacological and non-invasive treatment, therapeutic exercise is one of the methods that our team firmly believes in when it comes to providing treatments for patients. The San Antonio pain specialists with Dr. Raul G, Martinez specialize in providing a number of treatment options customized to our patient’s needs in order to manage your pain and get you back on track to living a normal and pain-free lifestyle.

If you are searching for a pain relief center to treat you, look no further than the specialists with Raul G. Martinez, M.D. in San Antonio, Texas. Our team has ample experience in providing a wide variety of treatment options to patients with various conditions, tailored to their specific needs. Contact us today at 210.441.4433 to start a conversation about alleviating your pain once and for all.