Back Pain and Exercise With a Kidney Infection
Exercising with a kidney infection might relieve pain for you once you start undergoing medical treatment. Physical activity releases endorphins in your body, which are the body’s natural pain killers. Not all exercises, however, are good for the back pain you experience with a kidney infection.
Exercising with a kidney infection might relieve pain for you once you start undergoing medical treatment. Physical activity releases endorphins in your body, which are the body's natural pain killers. Not all exercises, however, are good for the back pain you experience with a kidney infection. Focus on selecting low-impact exercises that are easy on the back to relieve pain. Make sure you have approval from your doctor before beginning any exercise regimen while recovering from a kidney infection.
Swimming
Swimming is a low-impact total body workout. Your body is more mobile in water and exercise is less painful. This helps people with a kidney infection struggling with pain. Swim laps slowly in your community center's pool. Or, join a water aerobics class. This type of class involves low-impact strength training exercises, such as biceps curls, arms circles, leg lifts and triceps kickbacks.
Stationary Bicycling
A stationary bike is another low-impact option if you're coping with a kidney infection. This type of exercise takes pressure off the back. If you don't enjoy working out indoors, ride your bicycle on level ground outdoors. Avoid hills and inclines. Hills put stress on your back, which can make back pain from a kidney infection worse.
Elliptical Trainer
An elliptical trainer is recommended for back pain because of the smooth motion. This motion won't strain your back like other exercises. The elliptical trainer also uses your arms, which allows you to strength train during cardio activity. When using the elliptical trainer, don't incline the machine. Using an elliptical trainer with an incline might strain your back and make kidney pain worse.
Warming Up
Before your low-impact workout session, don't forget to warm up. This will prevent additional injury and help reduce back pain. Walk on a level surface for about five minutes. You also can stretch your back muscles. Try the knee to chest stretch. Lie on your back. Bend your knees slightly. Place both of your hands behind the right knee and bring the knee to your chest. Hold for a few counts and release the stretch. Repeat this stretch on your left knee.