Pain Worse with Bending Forward

When to Stop Exercising

Positive Signs (Keep Going)

• During exercise, pain moves toward the center of your back (centralization)
• After exercise, leg pain or tingling decreases
• Over several days, your range of motion improves

Warning Signs (Stop and Consult Your Doctor)

• During exercise, pain spreads toward your legs (peripheralization)
• After exercise, numbness or tingling increases
• You notice changes in bladder or bowel function
• Pain gets worse day after day

[!note] Centralization — pain moving toward the center of your back — is a positive sign. Even if your central low back pain temporarily increases, if your leg symptoms are decreasing, the exercise is working in the right direction.