Low back pain is a major cause of disability worldwide. Although most episodes of low back pain have a good prognosis, with significant improvements to be expected in the first 6 to 12 weeks, the recurrent nature can be quite frustrating for patients.

Activities for low back painBecause low back pain can recur, patients often think that their back is weak or fragile and often avoid certain activities to avoid the risk of another episode. In this way, they adopt poor coping strategies that may predispose them to recurrent episodes. 

What about low back pain in athletes?In studies where athletes experience low back pain, all exercise approaches found effective in reducing pain and improving function in athletes with low back pain. Again, any form of exercise appears to be better than rest, and focused, dynamic, functional (sport-specific) exercise may be most beneficial in this particular group of patients.