A fast way to relieve lower back pain

Lower back pain is nearly as common as having a cold. Orthopedic surgeon and fitness expert Vonda Wright, MD, explains how physical activity helps ease inflammation and pain in as little as 7 days.

Transcript

00:00

Exercise is often the best thing for a sore lower back. Usually the pain is due to muscle pulls and swelling,

00:07

which press on the nerves. Activity decreases inflammation and swelling as long

00:14

as you don't overdo it. [MUSIC PLAYING]

00:24

I'm Dr. Vonda Wright. Lower back pain is practically as common as the cold. During any given three-month period, about 1 in 4 Americans

00:33

are wincing from it. When my patients have lower back pain, the last thing most of them want to do is move.

00:40

But here's the catch. Exercise is often the best thing for a sore lower back. Usually the pain is due to muscle pulls and swelling,

00:49

which press on the nerves. Activity decreases inflammation and swelling as long

00:55

as you don't overdo it. Swimming and gentle yoga often help. But here's something that's simpler and quicker.

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Take a walk. Yep, walking can ease lower back pain in as little as seven days.

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Stroll up to the mailbox. Stop by a neighbor's house. Go to the copier. Normal activities help you recover and feel better faster.

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Moving pumps fluid out of your muscles and helps ease inflammation. It also prevents the stiffness, pain, and depression

01:27

that come with inactivity. [AUDIO LOGO]