Cardiovascular and strengthening exercises combined with chiropractic care are important in the management of back pain. If a chiropractic patient has a history of heart problems, it is important for the patient to consult with their heart specialist to be certain they can tolerate cardiovascular fitness activities.

Specific instructions are given by Dr. Nevius with respect to proper exercise for the patient’s condition before beginning any exercises. Programs, in general, require a reasonable amount of exercise that is performed daily and utilizes activities that are enjoyed are recommended for patients undergoing chiropractic treatment.

Overall and when combined with chiropractic care, exercise helps promote proper digestion, keeps the muscles in proper tone, and promotes better circulation. Walking basically around the block at least once or twice a day is a convenient and popular activity. Also, many forms of work and/or household tasks can function as an exercise program. The important point is to exercise!

Types of exercise for chiropractic care.

When someone has back pain, there are many applicable exercises that are available to patients.  Your chiropractor can classify the chiropractic patient into a flexion or extension biased category to determine the variety that is best for that patient.

1.    If a patient feels best when bending forward (Flexion Biased), exercises that
       promote healing such as pulling the knees to the chest, posterior
       pelvic tilts, bending forward from a sitting position and others are usually
       helpful.       
2.    If a patient is least symptomatic in extension, especially if leg pain
       centralizes or diminishes (Extension Biased), extension exercises are helpful.
3.    Strengthening of the pelvic stabilizing muscles (Core Muscles),
       hamstrings, adductors, and other overly short or tight postural muscles,
       as well as balance promoting exercises can result better patient outcomes.