What is the best exercise for a healthy back?

Physical activity helps keep your back healthy. From yoga to resistance training, Orthopedic surgeon Vonda Wright, MD, reveals the best exercise to prevent back pain.

Transcript

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Gentle styles of yoga, such as iyengar yoga, get particularly high marks for back health.

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Using a rubber resistance band to do gentle strengthening moves builds supportive muscles and flexibility.

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[MUSIC PLAYING]

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There's one part of you you want to be nice and plump-- the gel-filled discs snuggled between each

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of your 33 vertebrae. They provide a cushion that keeps your back happy. It doesn't require anything fancy to make this happen.

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Just move. Physical activity encourages new cell growth inside your discs. That's great news, because after 30, your pillow-like spine

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protectors start shrinking. That's one reason why 85% of us have back pain at some point.

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Which exercises are best for your back? Try these. Gentle styles of yoga, such as iyengar yoga,

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get particularly high marks for back health. Using a rubber resistance band to do gentle strengthening

01:09

moves build supportive muscles and flexibility. And you'll avoid the risk of overdoing it,

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a worry with hoisting weights. Water aerobics and water walking are also great choices.

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Water supports your weight while you work your muscles so there's basically no stress on your back and joints. [AUDIO LOGO]