Walking More Could Ward Off Back Pain
Daily Walks: A Simple Path to Prevention
New research indicates that incorporating more walking into your daily routine could greatly reduce your risk of chronic low back pain. This accessible activity provides a straightforward way to protect your health and well-being, as reported in the latest findings.
The Link Between Walking and Back Health
A recent study revealed a substantial correlation between regular walking and decreased likelihood of developing chronic low back pain. The study, published in the journal JAMA Network Open, found that walking for 100 minutes each day was associated with a 23% reduction in risk. Rayane Haddadj, the lead author of the study, emphasized the importance of this finding.
“This is an important finding because walking is a simple, low cost, and accessible activity that can be promoted widely to reduce the burden of low back pain.”
—Rayane Haddadj, Doctoral Candidate
Currently, approximately 600 million individuals worldwide experience low back pain. Projections estimate this number will surge to 843 million by 2050, according to the World Health Organization.
How the Study Was Conducted
Researchers analyzed data from over 11,000 participants aged 20 and older. They tracked participants’ walking habits using accelerometers over a week-long period. This data was then correlated with participants’ reports of back pain between 2021 and 2023.
Dr. Natasha Pocovi, a researcher not associated with the study, noted the study’s strengths, including its large sample size. However, she also pointed out that it’s observational. Thus, they cannot definitively prove walking *causes* reduced pain risk.
Practical Steps to Incorporate More Walking
Dr. Pocovi suggests starting with short, manageable walking sessions. The key is to consistently increase your walking in a sustainable manner. Incorporating a companion for your walks might also help, she added.
Dana Santas, a fitness contributor, has previously written about the value of walking with friends instead of only going out for dinner and drinks. She also points out that even small steps can help you increase your physical activity.
In 2024, Americans spent approximately $134 billion on back pain-related expenses, highlighting the financial burden this condition places on the healthcare system. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
