Reduce Pain with Exercise

Exercise and Conditioning of the body are key components of chronic pain treatment. In fact, it is so important that many research studies have been conducted showing the positive effects of significant exercise in reducing pain along with improving both mood and overall physical function. The mechanism behind the pain relief benefit of exercise is thought to be due to the release of pain-fighting neurotransmitters including endorphins which work on the pain receptors in the body. There is also a specific entity called exercise-induced hypoalgesia. Exercise-induced hypoalgesia or EIH is a generalized reduction in pain level and pain sensitivity occurring both during and after exercise that is thought to be caused by the pain-fighting endocannabinoid system in the body. Interestingly, the receptor in this endocannabinoid system is the same receptor that CBD works on.

Research shows that exercise can lead to pain relief for a variety of conditions including chronic widespread pain, fibromyalgia, neuropathic pain, osteoarthritis, and chronic back and neck pain. In addition to causing pain relief, exercise can also decrease the risk of other health conditions including cardiovascular, neurodegenerative, metabolic, and bone disorders.

Here at Comprehensive Spine and Sports Center, we have resources to help you get started with healthy exercise routines to decrease pain. Whether talking directly with your doctor about exercise techniques, connecting you with physical therapists in the community, or guiding you through recovery from work injury through programs such Work Hardening or Functional Restoration Programs - we are here to help. We can get you on the right path to healthy pain-reducing habits.

Call us if you would like more information or if you would like to schedule an appointment at any of our multiple locations. We look forward to seeing you in the office and remember, keep moving - it does the body good!