Research
Mixed
Resistance training relieves low back pain by increasing the strength and cross-sectional area of vertebral musculature, maintaining muscle balance.
If you have chronic low back pain, specific resistance training focusing on lumbar extension with a stabilized pelvis can significantly reduce your pain. It strengthens the muscles supporting your spine, improving balance and endurance, and relieving symptoms.
GoodSupportsHIGH confidence
Exercise increases the strength and the cross-sectional area of the vertebral musculature, thereby reducing low back pain through the maintenance of muscle balance [33].
Why this rating
Cites research over 10 years indicating specific, progressive, and intense lumbar extension reconditioning is best managed by resistance training.
Source
Resistance Training for Health and Performance
William J. Kraemer et al. · Current Sports Medicine Reports · 2002
DOI 10.1249/00149619-200206000-00007
narrative_reviewCited 338×
Read the paper DOI resolved against Crossref · corpus check 2026-06-10
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