Which sports are particularly good for people with back problems?
January 16, 2023 | 30,00 EUR | answered by Ralf Ullmann
Dear Doctor,
my name is Eiko Klein and I have been suffering from back pain for some time now. The pain is mainly in the lower back area and occurs both when sitting for long periods and during physical exertion. I am 35 years old, work in an office, and regularly exercise to stay fit. However, due to the back pain, I am finding it increasingly difficult to carry out my training as usual.
I am concerned that the back pain could have long-term effects on my health. Therefore, I would like to know from you which sports are particularly suitable for people with back problems. Are there specific exercises or movements that can strengthen the back and alleviate the pain? Which sports should I avoid to prevent further damage?
I have already tried various measures to relieve the pain, including physiotherapy and regular stretching exercises. However, I have not yet noticed any long-term improvement in my symptoms. Therefore, I hope that you can help me with your expertise and experience.
Thank you in advance for your support and advice.
Yours sincerely,
Eiko Klein
Dear Mr. Klein,
Thank you for your message and your trust in my expertise. I'm sorry to hear that you are suffering from back pain and that previous measures have not led to a long-term improvement. Back pain can be very burdensome, and it is important to take appropriate measures to alleviate your symptoms and maintain your health.
First and foremost, it is important to mention that there is no one-size-fits-all answer to which sports are particularly good for people with back pain. Every person is individual, and it depends on the type of back pain you have and which part of your back is affected. However, exercise is a crucial part of therapy for back pain as it strengthens the muscles and improves flexibility.
For people with back pain, sports that strengthen the back muscles and relieve the spine are usually suitable. These include swimming, cycling, Nordic walking, yoga, and Pilates. These sports are gentle on the back and can help alleviate symptoms. It is important to pay attention to the correct execution of the exercises and, if necessary, consult a trainer or physiotherapist to ensure that you are doing the exercises correctly.
However, it is advisable to avoid sports that put a heavy strain on the back, such as weightlifting, tennis, or squash. These sports can worsen the symptoms and cause additional damage. Also, intense endurance sports like running can be counterproductive for back pain as they put a high strain on the back.
I recommend contacting your treating doctor or physiotherapist to receive an accurate diagnosis of your back pain and create an individual therapy plan. It may also be beneficial to attend a back school to specifically strengthen your back muscles and improve your posture.
I hope this information helps and that you will soon feel an improvement in your back pain. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact me.
Best regards,
Ralf Ullmann
