Anatomy of the Back
Your back (spine) is made up of vertebrae (bones) that make up 5 spinal regions: cervical, thoracic, lumbar, sacrum, and the coccyx. Between each vertebrae sits a shock-absorbing disc that allows movement and provides flexibility.
The purpose of your spine is to protect your spinal cord. Nerves from the spinal cord pass through the intervertebral foramen to the body, allowing messages to be transmitted to and from the brain and the periphery (e.g., your limbs).
What is Back Pain?
Exercise and Chronic Back Pain
In response to exercise, a slight increase in pain may occur due to prior de-conditioning of the surrounding musculature. However, pain levels should not be sustained post-exercise, and should not be significantly increased during exercise. If pain levels increase during exercise, do not push yourself into experiencing stronger pain - discuss your pain levels with your exercise professional and seek further advice.
Key Points about Exercising With Back Pain
2. Ensure you start at low intensities and go slowly upon starting a new exercise program.
3. Don’t push into stronger pain - seek further assistance from your exercise professional.