I know this might sound odd to some of you but hear me out — one of the best ways to decrease the amount of pain you’re in is to exercise. Yes, move your body! It might sound counterintuitive, right? If you’re in pain, shouldn’t you be resting? Well, sometimes yes. But more often than not, the pain is there because of lack of movement. Whether it’s a 10-minute stretch session or a half-mile walk, just getting your body moving can make a huge difference.
When we’re in pain, our first instinct might be to rest and stay still. However, this can sometimes make the pain worse. Our bodies are designed to move, and when we don’t, we start to feel stiff, tight, and even more discomfort. Movement—whether it’s stretching, walking, or even strength training—gets the blood flowing, helps flush out toxins, and increases flexibility. Think of it as giving your body a little tune-up. Sometimes the key to getting out of pain is simply getting moving. I’m not suggesting you go out and run 5-miles or commit to an hour-long strength session right away. But if you can start with just 10-15 minutes of movement a day—whether it’s walking, stretching, or even a gentle yoga routine—it can make a world of difference.
At the same time, you need to decipher the difference between good pain vs. bad pain. Good pain is the type of discomfort you might feel when you’re stretching or working your muscles. You know, that “ooh, this hurts but it feels so good” kind of pain. This is your body working to increase flexibility and release tension. Bad pain is the sharp, intense, can’t-move, 9 or 10 out of 10 kind of pain. This is usually a sign that something more serious is going on, and you should seek medical attention.
You know your body better than anyone, so listen to it. If you’re feeling mild to moderate discomfort (let’s say a 2-7 on the pain scale), it’s likely you can benefit from some gentle movement or stretching (and an adjustment). If it’s a 9 or 10, rest and seek urgent care. Sometimes we can help, but other times you may need a MD.
Many other times, that lower level of pain, can be alleviated with stretching or movement. Just enough to get the blood flowing, enough to get the body moving, removing toxins and increasing range of motion and flexibility. Sure, chiropractic may help, since if the body is out of alignment, and there is lack of movement in the vertebra and obstruction in the nervous system, then the body won’t function optimally. A chiropractic adjustment in these cases, often really helps. Stretching, walking, or light strength training can help maintain that alignment and prevent future pain.
Are you moving your body on a regular basis? The most important thing is consistency. Ideally, you should be getting some form of exercise 4-5 times a week (6 if you’re really motivated!). Whether it’s yoga, swimming, running, weightlifting, dancing, or even just walking — movement is essential. It doesn’t have to be anything intense but committing to daily or weekly exercise will keep you feeling better, with less pain and more energy.
How many times have you said, “I’ll start exercising once X happens”? Maybe it’s waiting for the weather to warm up, or for your schedule to clear, or until you feel “better.” The truth is the “perfect time” will never come. If you keep waiting for conditions to be just right, you’ll end up putting off your exercise indefinitely.
The secret? Start now—today. Don’t wait for New Year’s resolutions, or a special occasion. Exercise is a great way to relieve stress, reduce pain, improve your mental health, and feel better overall. And those benefits start immediately.
So, what’s stopping you? Exercise is one of the most powerful tools you have to help relieve pain, improve your health, and feel better in your body. Start with small steps—a short walk, a few minutes of stretching, or whatever movement feels good to you. Commit to making movement a part of your routine, and you’ll be amazed at how much better you feel. Your body—and your pain—will thank you.
