Today I answered a question on the site Top Doc that I though you might find interesting. The person had the question:

I Have A Dull Pain In My Lower Back. How Can I Treat It?

They further said:

“I have been doing zumba lately and I’ve also noticed a pain in my lower back. I’m suspecting it’s due to sudden activity while being overweight. What can I do to protect myself?”

My response was as follows:

One of the most important things you can learn to do is to listen to your body. When you have pain, your body is telling you that there is something wrong. Continuing to do things that are causing you pain and hoping that the pain will just go away is not a good idea.

Pain can be present for a variety of reasons. If the pain is only brought on by physical exertion, such as exercise, first try taking it down a notch. If you are starting a new exercise program, your body might just not be ready for that level of activity yet. Slow down to a more moderate level and see if the pain improves or goes away. If it does, you may need to just take things at a more moderate level until you build up the strength for more.

However, sometimes the exercise or activity only makes us aware of an existing problem, such as joint restrictions in the spine or an imbalance in the pelvis. You may have adhesion in the muscles you are unaware of or muscles that are already overworked and can’t handle the additional strain.

If pain does not decrease with slowing down or persists when not exercising, it would be beneficial to visit a chiropractor for an assessment. Chiropractors are well trained in musculoskeletal conditions and can determine where your pain is likely coming from, as well as provide treatments and therapies that can correct the problem and/or improve the symptoms. Chiropractors use physical treatments and therapies rather than drugs or surgery. Treatments are not painful and usually take 30 mins or less. You can even continue to do a lighter version of your exercise routine while receiving care (in most cases).