Strong evidence

Exercise reduces pain and improves function in chronic low back pain.

In practice

A sore back is usually a reason to modify training, not to stop moving. Resting until it feels perfect is the approach with the worst evidence behind it.

What it doesn't say

This is chronic, non-specific back pain. New, severe or unexplained back pain — and anything with numbness, weakness, or changes to bladder or bowel function — needs urgent medical assessment, not exercise.

Source

• Hayden JA, Ellis J, Ogilvie R, Malmivaara A, van Tulder MW (2021). Exercise therapy for chronic low back pain. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Issue 9, CD009790. doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD009790.pub2