Here’s the thing about exercising with back pain: Depending on how you do it, you could end up feeling phenomenally better—or equally worse. How do you ensure it’s the former? Know the best and worst exercises for back pain.
After all, strengthening the muscles that support the spine, getting nutrient-rich blood flow to injured tissues, and promoting healthy mobility and movement patterns is critical to both easing existing back pain and reducing the risk of future flare-ups, explains Tony Gentilcore, C.S.C.S., strength coach and owner of CORE training studio outside Boston.