Keep Moving:

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When our patients have Low-Back pain, the last thing most of them want to do is get a move on. But here's the thing. That's often the first thing you should do- well, the second. The first is to see your doc and make sure it's OK. Once you get a go-ahead, get moving. Low Back pain is usually due to muscle pulls and swelling, as long as you don't overdo it. Swimming and gentle yoga often help but here's something that's simpler and quicker. Put one foot in front of the other. Walking can ease Low-Back pain in a little as seven days. Just doing normal activities helps you recover and feel better faster. Why? Moving, not resting, pumps fluid out of your muscles (that causes the swelling or oedema) keeps you from getting trapped in a downward spiral of inactivity, stiffness, pain and depression. Focusing on helping yourself, rather than on how much it hurts, is good medicine all be itself. Never underestimate the pain- easing power of positive thinking.