Walking Your Way to Less Back Pain: New Study Shows Promising Results

In a recent study that could change the way we handle back pain, researchers have found that walking regularly can significantly delay the return of low back pain. The study, led by Macquarie University's Spinal Pain Research Group, involved 701 adults who had just recovered from an episode of low back pain.

The participants were split into two groups. One group followed a tailored walking program and attended six educational sessions guided by physiotherapists over six months. The other group did not receive any special interventions and served as a control.

Published in The Lancet, the study's results were eye-opening. Those who participated in the walking program went an average of 208 days without their back pain coming back. In contrast, the control group only went about 112 days before experiencing back pain again.

Professor Mark Hancock, a senior author of the paper, explained that walking is not only low-cost and simple but also highly accessible. Almost anyone can start walking without worrying about high costs or needing special equipment. The exact reason why walking helps prevent back pain isn't clear, but it's thought to involve a mix of gentle movements, muscle strengthening, stress relief, and the release of endorphins, which make us feel good.

Walking also brings many other health benefits, including better heart health, stronger bones, maintaining a healthy weight, and improving mental health.

Dr. Natasha Pocovi, the lead author, noted that the walking program didn't just extend the pain-free periods for participants. It also proved to be very cost-effective, reducing the need for healthcare services and cutting down the time taken off work by about half.

This simple exercise could be a game-changer in managing low back pain, which affects millions of people worldwide and is a leading cause of disability. The research team is now looking to see how this preventive approach can be routinely included in the care for patients who often suffer from recurring low back pain.

In conclusion, this study suggests that something as accessible as walking could be a key strategy in managing and preventing low back pain, making it an invaluable option for many.

Read the full article.

Source: Macquarie University. "Walking brings huge benefits for low back pain." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 20 June 2024.

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