Updated July 22, 2015.

Written or reviewed by a board-certified physician. See About.com's Medical Review Board.

The Benefits of Exercise for Pain Management

Back pain, joint pain and other forms of pain can all impact mobility. Due to this, you may be resistant to any sort of exercise and may be inclined to only take pain medication to help manage your pain. However, medication can only do so much and is often temporary. Exercise will help you manage your pain in the long run and prevent recurrences of it. When dealing with chronic pain, you lose your tolerance to pain over time.

Exercise however, works and pushes your pain threshold by aerobic, strengthening and flexibility training.

If you are unfamiliar with exercise or suffer from chronic pain conditions dealing with your back, shoulder, or hip, it is highly recommended to check with a doctor first and then enroll in an individualized exercise program. By doing so, you will receive special instruction on how to tailor your workout to suit you and your comfort level. You will also be educated on when you should push yourself and when you should be more conservative.

Aerobics for Pain

Aerobic exercise is very effective when it comes to chronic back or joint pain. This is because it involves posture and brisk movement without being too abrupt. Exercise is the key to managing your physical and mental health. By exercising regularly, you can ensure stronger joint muscles, decrease bone loss, and help with joint damage. By doing this, you can also renew the cartilage lubrication, reducing the stiffness when moving, and increase your range of motion.

Exercise is also the only way to build stamina, which will help you maintain a higher quality of sleep. This is an especially good trait, considering that insomnia is often a byproduct of chronic pain.

Oftentimes, pain is due to being overweight. In this case, exercise will help you reduce your weight and allow yourself to balance better in your body. The extra weight you carry will put pressure on your joints and spine, thus intensifying your pain. Modifying your lifestyle so you add less pressure on these more fragile areas of your body will help you manage your pain better in the long run.

Another positive trait to exercise is that the body releases endorphins when you partake in physical activity. Endorphins are primarily created in your brain and spinal cord. The interaction between this chemical and your brain’s receptors will alter your perception of pain, and in return, reduce the sensation. These receptors are the same ones most pain medications bind to. By increasing your endorphin levels, you rely less on opioids and other medication, putting you at a lower chance of addiction or dependency of your pain medication.

A Word or Few about Endorphins

Endorphins are also known to improve your mood. Due to this, exercise will ensure that you are more relaxed, happier and comfortable with yourself. This change in mood will not only increase your confidence, but it will also motivate you to further battle and conquer your pain.

Pain is correlated with stress for most people. People who harbor stress or anxiety often undergo uneven and shaky breathing, decreasing the oxygen flow to their body. Increasing your physical activity will increase your lung capacity and will help you carry oxygen to your body more efficiently. This allows for a more active and stimulated brain which can better deal with your pain symptoms. A less fatigued and relaxed pain patient will be able to fall asleep easier, thus helping with the insomnia many pain patients have.

Exercise is a wholesome activity that will help you manage with all the struggles in your life. It will provide you with pain control, stamina to go through your day, and a positive attitude that benefits all.