Aerobic exercise (where your heart rate goes up) causes your body to release endorphins, which are its natural painkillers. These natural chemicals can help to manage chronic pain. Other types of exercise, such as weightbearing exercise (ex. walking) can help your bones get stronger. Weight-training and weightlifting exercises can make both your muscles and bones stronger. Together, different forms of exercise can help you with your pain, strength, and flexibility so that you can do more things and feel better about it.
Exercise can be an important treatment option for chronic pain, depending on the cause of that pain. Watch family medicine physician Jennifer Caudle, DO, explain why a solid diagnosis is key to determining if exercise can help manage chronic pain.
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Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.