Pain is the body’s alarm signalling injury or degenerative change. But what we do with that pain can propel us either towards healing, or into a vicious circle.
The cycle of back pain
It’s not uncommon for fear to set in when we’re in pain – and fear of pain can take away our freedom of movement.
To avoid pain, we avoid movement. But this avoidance of movement leads to a loss of normal movement habits. Our muscles atrophy and our flexibility diminishes.
We seek refuge in anti-inflammatory drugs, in the hope of relieving our pain. But these drugs merely mask the symptoms, without addressing the source of the problem.
Breaking the vicious cycle of back pain
So, how do we break the vicious cycle of pain? It’s paradoxical, but movement can be the key to overcoming pain.
Finding ways to move without pain can be the first step towards recovery.
We discover that our body has the power to heal, that movement is our ally in this battle against back pain.
Pain-free movement: the importance of specialised devices
Pain-free movement is made possible thanks to specialised exercise devices that have been fine-tuned to each individual’s specific needs. By precisely modifying load and range of motion, these devices enable specific exercise prescription to minimise discomfort.
The idea is to isolate weakened or injured spinal muscles in order to strengthen them progressively. This targeted strengthening is based on a personalised program drawn up on the basis of a mobility and strength assessment.
By gradually increasing range of motion and load, each movement is optimised for pain-free efficiency, promoting gentle rehabilitation and improving overall fitness without aggravating existing pain.
The power of endorphins
Exercise triggers the release of endorphins, neuropeptides produced by the central nervous system and pituitary gland, often referred to as ‘happy hormones’. These substances diminish pain perception by binding to opioid receptors in the brain, providing a sense of well-being and reducing joint pain.
In addition, other neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin, released during exercise, contribute to mood regulation and pain management.
Regain confidence in your body
Movement helps reduce the fear of moving. By regaining confidence in our bodies and discovering that movement can be beneficial and painless, we break the cycle of fear.
As we progressively regain our strength and ability to move freely, recovery becomes possible and with it a return to normality.
