The science behind the story: How Pilates eases back pain

Four in 5 Americans suffer from lowerback pain at some point. And Pilates, a gentle stretching workout done on a mat or on a reformer (a bed-like platform that uses springs to create resistance), is an excellent remedy. “Pilates activates the deep core muscles, which helps stabilize and support the vertebral spine to relieve pain,” says Natasha Desai, M.D., co-director of the Women’s Sports Medicine Center at NYU Langone. Indeed, in a 2022 study, Brazilian scientists found that Pilates eased back pain by 52% and increased vitality by 143%.

To get the perks: If you’re a novice with no injury, Dr. Desai suggests taking small beginner classes to learn proper form. (If you have an injury, check with a doctor first.) Also smart: Find free beginner mat classes on YouTube. Dr. Desai likes Move with Nicole.

Too achy to move? “Doctors suggest exercise to ease pain, but when joints are stiff and painful, the last thing you feel like doing is exercise,” says Bill Wise, founder and principal of Wise Consumer Products Co. “It’s a catch-22. But topical analgesics such as Frankincense & Myrrh Arthritis (available at Amazon) help many get past the pain so they can keep moving without the side effects of Rx drugs.” The frankincense and myrrh oils in the lotion calm the inflammation linked to pain in animal studies in Scientific Reports.

—Diane Herbst