The main value of cardio from a chiropractor’s perspective is weight control. Every pound of body weight is adding an additional burden to your spine, which is already battling myriad other factors in its quest to maintain its health and longevity. By maintaining a healthy weight, your vertebrae are able to support the weight of your upper body and allow you to move without incurring pain. 

A further value of cardio for back pain sufferers is that it promotes blood flow, allowing nutrients and oxygen to circulate to every cell in your body, optimizing function and further reducing pain. The last way that cardio aids back pain sufferers is by releasing endorphins, your body’s natural painkillers. Just 30 minutes of vigorous exercise can release a flood of feel-good chemicals into your blood stream. But not all cardio is good for back pain- for example, running can cause repetitive trauma to spinal joints, actually making the problem worse. 

Other forms of cardio that are better for your back

Here is a list of cardio workouts that limit the amount of stress to your back: 

• Swimming 
• Elliptical
• Cycling
• Rowing
• Walking
• Body weight training

All of these activities give you a full range of cardio benefits while minimizing the trauma that your back incurs along the way. But variety is important: each of these activities will condition a specific set of muscles and exclude others. However, if you are suffering from back pain, it is important to make your sport account for your condition. Do not continue with a sport that is causing you pain. 

Back pain in Houston

At our office in Houston, we are commited to helping people find solutions for their particular health concerns. Don’t let back pain stop you from reaping the full benefits of cardiovascular exercise. Let us help you reduce pain and improve function so that you can continue enjoying activities that help you feel better.