According to a recent study, individuals who walked for 30 minutes five times per week experienced nearly half the frequency of recurring lower back pain. The researchers suggested that increased emphasis on preventative measures could result in significant cost reductions in the future.

A study featured in the medical journal The Lancet this week suggests that regular walking can be an inexpensive and simple method to possibly help prevent various health issues.
recurring back pain
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The trials demonstrated that patients experienced less frequent flare-ups when they engaged in 30-minute walks five days per week and received guidance from a physical therapist compared to those in the control group.

The research team noted that patients experienced an enhanced perception of their overall quality of life, and the duration of time they needed to take off from work decreased by nearly fifty percent.

Inexpensive and simple activities suitable for nearly everyone.

The writers expressed optimism that these affordable and straightforward measures could have a “significant effect” on a condition that is the primary source of disability globally.

“Walking is an affordable, easily available, and straightforward form of exercise that nearly everyone can participate in, irrespective of their geographical area, age, or economic background,” stated co-author Mark Hancock, a physiotherapy professor at Macquarie University in Australia.

It is estimated that approximately 800 million individuals globally experience lower back pain. Among those who recuperate from an instance of this condition, about seven out of ten often encounter another episode within a twelve-month period.

What was the process of the study like?

The research tracked 700 adults who had recently recuperated from an instance of lower back pain over a span of up to three years.

One half of the participants were randomly assigned to receive a customized walking regimen along with support from a physical therapist, whereas the remaining individuals formed the control group and were free to follow their own personal or medical actions as deemed appropriate.

Hancock stated that the intervention group experienced less frequent activity-limiting pain than the control group, and also saw a prolonged average time until their next occurrence, with a median duration of 208 days versus 112 days.

How could walking benefit your back health?

“Although we’re not precisely sure why walking effectively helps prevent back pain, it probably involves several factors: the rhythmic back-and-forth motions, strengthening and conditioning the spine and associated muscles, promoting relaxation and reducing stress, as well as releasing mood-enhancing endorphins,” Hancock suggested.

He mentioned that walking provided numerous additional significant health advantages, such as enhancing cardiovascular fitness, increasing bone density, aiding in weight loss, and boosting mental well-being.

The researchers observed an increase in global reports of lower back pain due to extended lifespans and greater instances of inactive working and recreational activities.

They also mentioned that given the increasing strain on healthcare systems globally, an insufficient amount of resources was being allocated to research, prevention, and treatment in this field.

msh/sms (dpa, Lancet)