Move, Groove, and Improve

Being active while you have back pain is great for you in a number of ways. It:
makes you feel good

makes you feel good
keeps you doing what you need to do
turns on parts of your brain which decrease pain
teaches your brain that your back is not as bad as it thinks
moves and feeds all of the joints, muscles and nerves

Do activities you enjoy to get the most out of them. You can walk, dance, run, swim, cycle, and play. While doing these activities, focus on what you are doing, rather than trying to protect the back.

“I’m not going to really do any further damage by doing things ... I think having that in the back of my mind really has encouraged me to progress, and to do more physical activity”

AROHA, 25 YEAR OLD WOMAN

Be realistic in your expectations. Activity will make you feel better, but it is not an instant pain reliever. Activity works best (like medication) when it is taken regularly and consistently.

“Don’t wait till it gets better before you move, you have to move while you’re in pain”

KAREN, 32 YEAR OLD WOMAN