With the hypervigilance in abstaining from opioid prescriptions due to the opioid crisis, there has been an effort in determining alternate ways of providing analgesic effects for those in chronic pain. One of the most consistent modalities to help benefit with treatment is exercise. There has been many studies exploring the analgesic effect of exercise on pain and dysfunction as compared to pharmacological treatment. However, there has not been any literature supporting the appropriate dosage and intensity of exercise.

A recent study (Polaski, AM et al. PLoS One. 2019) performed a meta-analysis of many studies using exercise to help treat and manage chronic pain. The studies ranged from many different durations and intensities with different populations, all experiencing chronic pain. The researchers found a positive correlation between duration of exercise and decrease in neck pain. Duration could be constituted for amount of time during exercise, and/or number times exercising throughout the week.

If you are experiencing chronic pain, please seek counsel with your health provider to help guide you in designing a exercises program with the appropriate duration.