Back pain is very common among adults and is often caused by overuse and muscle strain or injury says DRX 900 specialist. Most back pain can get better with treatment and staying active but most people who suffer from back pain don't exercise because they fear it will increase the problem says Irvine Chiropractor. A recent study found that exercising four days a week gave people greater relief from back pain than working out fewer times a week or not at all. In the study, 120 people were randomly assigned to one of four groups for 12 weeks: One did a strength-training program two days a week, one did it three days a week and one did it four days a week. A control group did no exercise but participated in a two-week exercise familiarization program. Those in the four-day-a-week program had the most reduction in pain - 28 percent - compared with 14 percent for those who exercised two days a week. The four-day group also reported having a better quality of life and less disability than those who exercised less. In addition, it showed the greatest strength gains. The control group showed insignificant change in all areas. The study was presented recently at the annual meeting of the American College of Sports Medicine in Seattle.

It's important not to let fear of pain get in the way from trying gentle activity. It’s best to stay active after noticing pain, and then gradually increasing activity level. Too little activity can lead to loss of flexibility, strength, and endurance, and then to more pain. If you are interested in minimally invasive spine surgery and other back pain treatments please contact your Orange County Chiropractor