The Best Exercise for Me?

I commonly get asked by patients "What is the best type of exercise" for low back pain? It is obviously a good question because there are so many different forms of exercise and depending on who you talk with, many of them claim that they are the best. Yoga, pilates, walking, swimming, resistance exercise, core strengthening are some popular forms. They all have benefits. The real answer is ANY form of exercise is beneficial for low back pain. Studies have looked at different forms and there is no substantial evidence that shows one form is better than another. I recommend telling patients that they need to focus on what they enjoy doing or else they wont do it and then concentrate on maintaining flexibility and strength throughout their bodies.