AARP offers some exercises that can reduce back pain and joint aches. In their most recent magazine, AARP asked some physical therapists and orthopedic specialists what exercises they would recommend to reduce back pain and improve back pain and joint strength. They offered some great suggestions; many of which we teach our patients while they are under our care. Two years ago, the Annals of Internal Medicine offered a list of treatments that are helpful for back pain. Chiropractors routinely use a number of the exercises and other methods that were mentioned in their study. The common theme was movement is better for pain reduction, especially with lower back pain. Physical therapists as well as chiropractors often teach their patients about core stability, and proper muscular balance to stay out of pain. The worst things patients can do when they are in pain is panic, since it leads to tests that may be expensive and unnecessary, medication which is less recommended and consultations with specialists who are more likely to recommend a surgical solution which may make their problem worse. Check out the article below. These can reduce your risk for back and joint pain. The Best Exercises for Achy Backs, Knees, Hips and More We asked physical therapists for their pain-busting stretching and strengthening moves by Hallie Levine, AARP, February 1, 2019 While it might be the last thing you feel like doing when your back or knees are bothering you, staying active is one of the top ways experts recommend to beat back age-related aches and pains, particularly around major joints such as your back, knees, hips and shoulders. But which strengthening and stretching exercises work best for what? We asked physical therapists and experts from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons to lay out options for the most commonly reported trouble spots. Some work to provide relief in the moment, while others build up strength that fends off pain down the road. For your back “The most important thing with back pain is to keep moving, especially with activities that keep your core strong, such as walking, yoga or tai chi,” says physical therapist Meredith Harris, a spokesperson for the American Physical Therapy Association. In fact, yoga is just as effective as physical therapy for treating folks with chronic low back pain, according to a 2017 study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine. But if you just can’t get into a Downward Dog, try these moves instead. Read more