Exercise and movement are two common treatment recommendations for patients with certain types of chronic pain conditions, but regular exercise isn’t always easy to achieve if chronic pain makes movement painful. You may not be able to run a few miles or do a rotation at the gym, and because of this, you might opt to shy away from exercise even though it’s exactly what your body needs. At times like this, it’s important to remember that any type of exercise can be beneficial. Even just walking for 10-15 minutes can be great for your pain condition and your whole body.

Don’t think walking can do that much good? Below, we take a closer look at the benefits of walking if you have chronic pain.

Why You Should Walk If You Have Chronic Pain

Here’s a look at just some of the benefits of walking if you’re dealing with a chronic pain condition like arthritis or fibromyalgia.

Blood Flow And Circulation – Walking gets the heart pumping and healthy blood flowing through your body. Structures rely on this oxygenated blood to get nutrients they need to function properly. This also helps to remove lactic acid in the joints that can contribute to pain and discomfort.

Muscle Development – Walking may not seem like an overly strenuous activity, but it requires a number of muscles to work regularly. Your core muscles are used when you’re walking, and a strong core can help you fend off chronic back pain, because when your core can handle more stress, it takes pressure off your spine.

Fat Reduction – Regularly walking can help you lose weight and decrease adipose tissue in the body. This adipose tissue is pro-inflammatory, which means you’re less likely to suffer from inflammation and related issues if you have less adipose tissue in your body. Weight loss also helps to reduce the strain you put on your knees, hips and feet when you walk.

Increased Synovial Fluid – Movement and exercise in the form of walking can also help aid in the production of synovial fluid, which helps to lubricate your joints and make movement easier, which is especially helpful if a joint problem is causing your chronic pain.

Endorphin Release – Walking and other forms of exercise can release chemicals in your brain that help to drown out pain signals, making discomfort less noticeable and more bearable.

Reduce Anxiety – Walking can also have a calming effect on the brain, reducing anxiety and stress, which can be chronic pain triggers.

This is just a short list of reasons why you should consider walking if you’re working to overcome a chronic pain condition. It’s a low-impact exercise that can really help you win out over chronic pain, and you don’t need any specialized equipment.

For more individualized help for overcoming your chronic pain condition, reach out to Dr. Cohn and his team today.