Afraid to Move Your Body? A Little Advice

Illustration Anne Asher 2007

Many people who live with chronic pain or are dealing with neck or back injury develop a fear of movement.

If you have this, should you give into that fear?  Or should you try to push through?

That depends on several factors.  First, how new is your back problem?  The stage of healing you're in makes a difference.  Next, what are you thinking of doing?  A gym workout?  Or an exercise program prescribed by your physical therapist?  There are other considerations, as well.

Related:

• Should You Exercise When Your Back Is Sore?
• Should You Stretch Your Acute Back Injury?

Fear of movement may be holding you back from healing your back or neck pain.  If you suspect that's the case, ask your health provider how you might handle the situation.