If you have lower back pain, using the wrong type of treadmill can exacerbate your symptoms. When you jog and run, the impact as your foot lands on the belt can cause discomfort in your legs and back. If you do decide to exercise on a treadmill, you need to look for types that minimize this impact.
Treadmills With Partial Body Weight Support Systems
A 2002 study appearing in the "Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy" found that treadmill usage with a partial body weight support system could reduce pain in patients with chronic lower back pain. After treadmill usage with partial body weight support, the subjects reported decreased pain symptoms and increased functionality. While on the treadmill, a portion of the subject's body weight was mechanically supported to reduce impact.
Orbiter
The Orbiter is a type of treadmill marketed to individuals with medical problems, such as back and leg pain. The Orbiter reduces impact by providing a trampoline surface for you to walk, jog or run on. The belt absorbs the impact instead of your joints. The Orbiter is also marketed to individuals who suffer from joint problems such as arthritis.
Aquatic Treadmills
Aquatic treadmills are another type of treadmill that may lessen back pain. Aquatic treadmills involve you being submerged in water between your waist and your shoulders. You walk, run and jog on the treadmill in the same manner as traditional models. Since you are underwater, the weight is taken off your joints and the exercise will not cause back pain.
Considerations
According to the Spine Health website, testing the rebound of the treadmill belt is critical to finding out whether the device is appropriate for back pain sufferers. The cushioning of the treadmill belt may cause impact on the back and worsen your condition. When you test out the treadmill, look for a machine that provides enough cushioning that you feel less impact on your joints. However, if it has too much cushioning and you bounce during use, this can cause instability.
References
- "Arthritis Today;" Walking Underwater; Rosanna Scott
- Orbiter Treadmill: Home
- "Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy;" Treadmill ambulation with partial body weight support for the treatment of low back and leg pain; D Joffe et al; May 2002
- Spine Health: Treadmills for Exercise and Pain Relief
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