Exercise therapy is one of the most consistently recommended and well-supported treatments for lower back pain, especially chronic non-specific cases. Here are the main benefits backed by research:

1. Pain Reduction

• Regular, targeted exercise can decrease pain intensity by improving muscle endurance, reducing stiffness, and enhancing spinal stability.
• Both strengthening and flexibility exercises have shown positive effects in systematic reviews.

2. Improved Function and Mobility

• Exercise helps restore normal movement patterns and increases range of motion.
• People often report better ability to perform daily tasks and return to work sooner.

3. Reduced Recurrence

• Maintaining an active exercise routine lowers the risk of future flare-ups by keeping muscles strong and responsive.
• Core stability and functional training reduce strain on vulnerable spinal structures.

4. Improved Posture and Spinal Support

• Strengthening deep spinal stabilizers (like the multifidus and transverse abdominis) supports the spine and reduces abnormal loading.
• Postural training can correct movement faults that contribute to pain.

5. Better Mental Health and Confidence

• Exercise releases endorphins and can improve mood, sleep, and self-efficacy.
• Overcoming fear of movement (kinesiophobia) helps break the pain-avoidance cycle.

6. Comparable or Superior to Passive Therapies

• Clinical guidelines from organisations like NICE and the American College of Physicians recommend exercise over bed rest, passive modalities, or medication for chronic low back pain.
• Works best when personalised to the individual’s abilities, pain tolerance, and goals.

Key Research

• Cochrane Review (2021) on chronic low back pain:
  Exercise therapy reduces pain (moderate-certainty evidence) and improves function (moderate-certainty evidence) compared to no treatment.
• Lancet Series on Low Back Pain (2018):
  Strong recommendation for exercise as a first-line treatment, combined with education and reassurance.
• BMJ (2021):
  No single exercise type is universally superior; aerobic, strength, motor control, yoga, and Pilates can all be effective when done regularly.