Strenuous activities of daily living can stress the back resulting in pain. It is natural at this time to withdraw from activity and rest, but is not helpful in the long run and may actually slow down the healing process.
Exercise helps in rehabilitating the back, relieving pain, preventing or reducing the severity of future episodes, strengthening muscles, improving flexibility and reducing stiffness. A good exercise regimen usually consists of stretching, strengthening, and core strengthening activities. Exercises can include simple walking, yoga, pilates, hydrotherapy, swimming, aquarobics, meditation, deep breathing and tai chi. It should be done in comfortable clothing, and not involve actions that increase pain or involve bouncing movements. Individual stretching exercises targeted at the neck, shoulders, back, hip and thighs can also help relieve back pain.