January 17th, 2018

// Does a Back Injury Mean the End of Your Fitness Goals?

Does a Back Injury Mean the End of Your Fitness Goals?

Just because you injured your back doesn’t mean that you need to throw your fitness goals out the window. Even though these injuries can be quite painful, many people are able to recover from them in as little as a few weeks with the proper treatments and lifestyle changes.

If you have recently set new fitness goals, then here are a few steps you can take to make sure that a back injury won’t bring your life to a grinding halt.

Don’t Ignore the Warning Signs

One of the most common mistakes that fitness enthusiasts make is ignoring the early warning signs of a back injury. Some discomfort is perfectly natural during a rigorous training regimen, but the pain should never be unbearable.

You must immediately stop exercising if you notice any sudden weakness in your body, shooting pain, or numbness. In some cases, those side effects are caused by back problems that can easily be treated as long as they are addressed quickly.

Cut Back on Your Training

If the side effects seem relatively mild, then you should at least cut back on your training to prevent further injuries. No matter what exercises you plan on doing, you must make sure that you are using proper form at all times.

Switching to lighter weights and focusing on your form might be just what you need to speed up your recovery avoid secondary complications. You can also try low-impact exercises such as swimming or riding a stationary bike.

Contact a Rehab Specialist

Many back problems must be treated by a team of rehab specialists. Some minor sprains will heal on their own, but serious issues such as herniated discs and hairline fractures must be taken care of by a medical professional.

Treating these conditions typically requires a blend of physical therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes, so you should contact healthcare professionals from places like Southwest Florida Neurosurgical & Rehab Associates. With the proper treatment plan, you could be back on your feet in as little as a week or two.

Learn to Prevent Future Injuries

Back injuries can become a chronic problem if you aren’t careful, and you need to start taking precautions if you continuously hurt your spine or core. Stretching every day and focusing on your form are two of the most effective ways to prevent back injuries. You can also try preventative services such as deep tissue massage, acupuncture, cryotherapy, and heat shock therapy.

Having a healthy back is extremely important, and you need to do everything in your power to keep your spine and core as strong as possible. Those who notice sudden or debilitating back pain must immediately contact a doctor to prevent permanent injuries.

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