Exercise takes the edge off chronic pain

When you're in pain, exercise is probably the last thing on your mind. But it may be more important than you think. Regular exercise is a versatile weapon in the fight against chronic pain.

The risks of inactivity

When you're inactive, your muscles — including your heart — lose strength and work less efficiently. Your risk of high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes increases. Inactivity can increase fatigue, stress and anxiety as well.

"Years ago, people who were in pain were told to rest," says Edward Laskowski, M.D., a physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist and co-director of the Sports Medicine Center at Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. "But now we know the exact opposite is true. When you rest, you become deconditioned — which may actually contribute to chronic pain."

The benefits of movement

As tough as it may be to start an exercise program, your body will thank you. Are you skeptical? Consider the facts. Exercise can:

§           Prompt your body to release endorphins. These chemicals block pain signals from reaching your brain. Endorphins also help alleviate anxiety and depression — conditions that can make chronic pain more difficult to control.

"Endorphins are the body's natural pain relievers," Dr. Laskowski says. "Endorphins have the potential to provide the pain-relieving power of strong pain medications, such as morphine."

§           Help you build strength. The stronger your muscles, the more force and load you'll take off your bones and cartilage — and the more relief you'll feel.

§           Increase your flexibility. Joints that can move through their full range of motion are less likely to be plagued with aches and pains.

§           Improve your sleep quality. Regular exercise can lower your stress hormones, resulting in better sleep.

§           Boost your energy level. Think a walk around the block will wipe you out for the rest of the day? Not likely, and if you do it again tomorrow and the day after, it'll be easier each time. In the long run, regular exercise can actually give you more energy to cope with chronic pain.

§           Help you maintain a healthy weight. Exercise burns calories, which can help you drop excess pounds. This will reduce stress on your joints — another way to improve chronic pain.

§           Enhance your mood. Exercise contributes to an overall sense of well-being. It increases blood and oxygen flow to all your tissues, livening up your skin tones and nourishing your brain. These positive effects perpetuate themselves. The better you look and feel, the greater your confidence and motivation to keep exercising.

§           Protect your heart and blood vessels. Exercise decreases the risk of high blood pressure, diabetes, heart attack and stroke.

Getting started

Consult your doctor for help designing an exercise program that meets your specific needs. Your doctor will likely recommend various stretching, strengthening and cardio activities. Exercises that help you relax.

It's natural to be worried about hurting yourself or making your pain worse. But with your doctor's reassurance and guidance, you can safely exercise with the knowledge that your pain isn't serving a useful protective purpose. Remember, regular exercise actually eases chronic pain for many people.

You can also find more information at Weight-Control Information Network

http://www.win.niddk.nih.gov/publications/for_life.htm#wtlosslife

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