Advice and resources : Living with chronic pain

Physical activity for back pain

There is clear evidence that exercise and activity are the best treatment for back pain. There is no set approach that is best, so be guided by what exercise you enjoy and what you feel able to start.

Local councils in Reading, Wokingham, and across West Berkshire have exercise programmes.

• Listings in 'Keeping fit and active' – Reading Borough Council
• Activities for adults – Wokingham Borough Council
• Physical activity and weight management - West Berkshire Council

Keeping active at home

NHS and the charity Arthritis UK have ideas to keep active at home.

• NHS UK - Exercise
• NHS UK - Get active
• Arthritis UK

Stop smoking

Smoking can increase inflammation in the body and raise your risk of having back pain.

• Visit Smokefreelife Berkshire for free support

Mental wellbeing

Addressing your mental health is as importance as physical health.

We know that pain and injuries can impact our mental health and this can slow down our ability to recover. By improving our mental wellbeing we can also improve our physical health.

You can find more information about improving your mental wellbeing on the NHS website. This includes advice on how to make changes, as well as links to support and advice services.

• NHS UK - 5 steps to mental wellbeing

Sleep

Sleep is incredibly important to our physical health. It is important to have good sleep hygiene, including a regular sleep pattern. 

Further information on sleep can be found on the NHS website

• NHS UK - Sleep and tiredness

Healthy weight

Maintaining a healthy weight can help prevent back pain and speed up recovery.

• Get advice about losing weight from NHS.UK: NHS UK - losing weight advice