Just about everyone gets back pain from time to time. Fortunately, most cases of back pain disappear within a few days or weeks. If you suffer from chronic back pain, here’s some more good news: Exercise might offer some relief.

Recent studies have found that people who perform exercises specifically tailored to their back problems have less pain and can move more easily than those treated with other types of therapy.

Exercise seems to be the best treatment option for chronic back pain, according to a new review of 61 studies published in the Annals of Internal Medicine.

In another report published in the same journal, researchers analyzed 43 studies to determine which types of exercise are most effective. Stretching exercises proved best at reducing pain, while muscle-strengthening exercises were most successful in helping people move more freely.

Exercising regularly and sticking with the program for the long haul are the keys to success, according to researchers. People with regular follow-up from a health professional— such as a doctor or physical therapist— experienced the greatest improvement.

If you suffer from back pain that is not noticeably better within 72 hours, call your doctor. And get immediate medical attention if your back pain is accompanied by fever, loss of bowel or bladder control, pain with coughing, or progressive weakness in your legs. You may have a pinched nerve or other serious condition that could worsen without treatment.

Did You Know?
Doctors advise those with low back pain to continue with their usual activities, as much as possible. Bed rest can actually make the condition worse.