How to move more with chronic pain?

Check out Body Groove....lots of ways to modify. It's FUN and addictive 😊 you can buy dvds. I have roku so I use it through that. Good luck.

I definitely concur with others in seeking out a physical therapist, and possibly even a rehab doctor. Find one who will give you exercises to do at home as well. I have had chronic low back pain for years--having gone to a couple of PT's, chiropractor and even rehab doctor, who gave me steroid injections. The last PT I went to really did the trick, as he used a technique and exercises that I hadn't ever really been introduced to before with previous PT's or chiropractors (which, I might add, helped temporarily, but the pain always came back). He used the McKenzie method, and I still do some of those exercises at home on a regular basis.

For me, I have significant disc degeneration in my lumbar spine, so it will probably flare up from time to time. However, it is better than it has been in a long time and has stayed that way for a year. Also, although I do total body strength training and train heavy at least some of the time, I have been focusing on my glutes. That has also helped with my low back, as often weak glutes/hamstrings=low back problems).

Another thing that I have to do is focus on my posture when I'm sitting, and sitting on couches is awful for people with low back problems. When I'm thinking about it, I make sure my core is engaged and my back is in a neutral position (neither rounded nor overextended). If my back is flaring up, I may ice it and foam roll the muscles that are tight as well (which may not even be the back, but may be glutes or hamstrings that are tight).

Good luck; hope you find some relief! I know how frustrating it is to try and exercise and be active, but the low back gets mad at you!

Recumbent bike. When my back is really bothering me it’s the only thing that’s pain-free. My doctor recommended it to me years ago. Foam roller. Physiotherapy and regular massage.

An old injury has left me with arthritis, bursitis, nerve root damage, round ligament damage, ITB issues, and sciatic nerve damage. So I’m always in some degree of discomfort or pain.

In the long term, strength training. My physiotherapist told me I was extremely flexible from yoga but my lack of strength didn’t help. She said she sees that a lot with yogis. We think we can stretch away the pain but we can’t. We need strength. Gaining muscle and strength has helped support my glutes, hamstrings and core and I get fewer pain flare-ups and recover from them faster. I do Sydney Cummings workout every day, spin 2-3x a week, walk a few x a week, yoga 2-3x a week. This has all helped tremendously.