Can Exercise Make My Pain Problem Worse, And How Much Is Too Much Exercise?

Dr. J.C. Gerancher answers the question: 'How Much Exercise Is Too Much?'

ByABC News
November 12, 2008, 3:57 PM

— -- Question: Can Exercise Make My Pain Problem Worse, And How Much Is Too Much Exercise?

Answer: For chronic pain patients and for all of us, exercise is very important. For chronic pain patients, it's especially important because exercise leads to better muscle function, better activity, and a better, normal life.

The ways you might know that you're overdoing the exercise if less and less movement, less and less exercise, produces more and more pain on a daily basis. Then there may be some process underlying your pain and you should seek medical attention. One good way of avoiding this from happening is to get help in planning an exercise program, either from a sports medicine physician, or getting some guidance, lets say, a YMCA, locally. Even a commercial gym can provide you with a trainer to help you design an exercise program that's right for you.

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