So since I launched our new website the other day asking for questions, I’ve been flooded with replies from readers!

If I take a while to get back to you, please bear with me, as in between helping my patients I’m going as fast as I can to work through all the questions that I receive.

Now, here’s one I got from a reader of my emails who asked:
_________________________________

“Dr. Nelli, in the report you wrote about “Listening to your body and adjust accordingly”, but recently, during a routine appointment with my doctor – I asked him about my back pain and the first thing he told me to do was “rest” up for a while.

I’ve had my back pain now for about 15 months and it’s really beginning to slow me down now
– the last thing I needed was to be told to rest though, as I have my 2 kids (6 and 8) to care for each day… and my back pain is making that increasingly difficult.

Is there anything else I can do?

And although I like the idea of not stopping and continuing going to work and exercising, I’m confused by the conflicting advice – please advise”.

– Lauren, 45 – Buffalo Grove, IL

Ok…

Let me try and clear this one up for you.

I think what this physician is advising is this:

“Resting” from things that make back pain WORSE.

And anything (like maybe your work out routine or sport) that causes repetitive sharp or shooting pain is definitely one of them.

Other things, like “leaning forwards”, picking up your kids, sitting or standing for too long, even lifting heavy objects, are all things that could make back pain worse.

So, how do you “rest” correctly?

Well, stopping the activities that cause repetitive sharp shooting pain is the 1st thing to do…

and that doesn’t mean stop exercising. It means back off the moves, exercises or positions that cause repetitive sharp and shooting pain.

Correct your form first, then back off if the pain doesn’t stop.

and stretching is another way to reduce pressure off your back(for short term relief).

And I know what you’re thinking…

“You don’t have time to do THAT sort of thing all day.”

But what if you find yourself with 15 minutes to spare before bed to do it?

And by the way…

Stretching, even just for an 15 minutes or so each day, might help “de-stress” you too.

Because did you know that “stress” adds hugely to back pain too?

Well it does.

It’s because muscles tighten and joints stiffen when you are stressed, so things like breathing DEEPLY, maybe when you’re stretching, will help.

Admittedly, it won’t cure it, but it will help in the short term.

The *long term* answer?

Simple:

Find the *fundamental cause* of the back pain problem – then fix it, properly!

Something we can help you with here at Cadence Physical Therapy.

You don’t even have to book an in-person appointment with me to make the progress you’re looking for.

We can start by talking on the phone from the comfort of your own home or convenience of your office.

After you’ve told me about your concerns and problems, I’ll advise you all about what might be causing your back pain, and ease any concerns you might have.

I’ll even explain how I would propose to help you personally, should you wish to try physical therapy.

Just send me an email at info@cadence-pt.com with any questions you have.