Exercising With Chronic Pain
We all know exercise is important for good health, but if you live with chronic pain, it can be hard. Pain can rob you of motivation, and some exercises may simply hurt too much. Still, most people with chronic pain can exercise safely. LA Pain Doctor helps patients in Metairie, LaPlace, Harvey, Hammond, and Lutcher, LA find safe ways to stay active.
Request an AppointmentWhy Exercise Helps Chronic Pain
It may seem counterintuitive, but staying active is one of the most effective long-term ways to manage chronic pain. Regular exercise strengthens the muscles that support your spine and joints, improves flexibility, helps control weight, and boosts energy. Exercise also triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural pain relievers, which can improve mood and sleep.
Types of Exercise to Consider
- Low-impact aerobic activity: Walking, swimming, water aerobics, and stationary cycling raise your heart rate without pounding your joints.
- Stretching: Gentle stretches improve flexibility and reduce stiffness.
- Strength training: Light weights or resistance bands build muscles that support painful areas.
- Mind-body exercise: Yoga and tai chi combine movement, balance, and relaxation.
- Core strengthening: A strong core supports the back and can ease disc and facet joint pain.
Tips for Exercising Safely
- Talk with your provider before starting a new routine
- Start slowly with short sessions and build gradually
- Warm up before exercise and cool down afterward
- Expect some mild soreness, but stop if you feel sharp or worsening pain
- Exercise at the time of day when you feel best
- Set realistic goals and celebrate progress
Treatment That Makes Movement Easier
When pain makes exercise too difficult, treatment can help. Many patients find that procedures such as lumbar epidural steroid injections, facet joint injections, joint injections, or genicular nerve ablation reduce pain enough to start or continue physical therapy. For widespread pain like Fibromyalgia, gentle exercise is one of the most recommended treatments. Read more about living with chronic pain, living with osteoarthritis, and living with rheumatoid arthritis.
Exercising With Chronic Pain FAQs
Is it safe to exercise with chronic pain?
For most people, yes. Start slowly, choose low-impact activities, and check with your provider first.
What are the best exercises for chronic pain?
Walking, swimming, water aerobics, stretching, light strength training, yoga, and tai chi are good options.
Should exercise hurt?
Mild soreness can be normal, but sharp or increasing pain is a signal to stop and talk with your provider.
How often should I exercise?
Aim for regular activity most days of the week, starting with short sessions and building gradually.
What if pain keeps me from exercising?
Treatments like injections or nerve procedures can reduce pain enough to help you start moving again.
Can exercise help fibromyalgia?
Yes. Gentle, regular exercise is one of the most effective long-term treatments for fibromyalgia.
How can LA Pain Doctor help?
Our providers can treat the source of your pain so you can stay active. Call (504) 229-4866 - Metairie Office , (504) 229-4866 - Laplace Office , (504) 229-4866 - Harvey Office , (504) 229-4866 - Hammond Office or (504) 229-4866 - Lutcher Office to schedule at our offices in Metairie, LaPlace, Harvey, Hammond, and Lutcher, LA.
Move More, Hurt Less
Let us help you stay active with less pain. Call (504) 229-4866 - Metairie Office , (504) 229-4866 - Laplace Office , (504) 229-4866 - Harvey Office , (504) 229-4866 - Hammond Office or (504) 229-4866 - Lutcher Office or request an appointment online today.