A recent study published in The Lancet suggests that walking can be a powerful remedy for back pain. The study focused on adults with a history of low back pain and found that those who incorporated a regular walking routine into their daily lives experienced a longer period without back pain recurrence compared to a control group.
This new research adds to a growing body of evidence that supports the benefits of physical activity for managing and preventing back pain. Previous studies have shown that physical activity can not only ease back pain but also strengthen the muscles that support the back. In fact, a 2019 systematic review found that physical activity can lower the prevalence of back pain, while a 2017 study found that yoga can be as effective as physical therapy for relieving back pain.
The study conducted by Dr. Mark Hancock and his team at Macquarie University in Australia followed 701 adults who had recently recovered from an episode of low back pain. The participants were randomly split into two groups, with one group receiving an individualized walking and education program facilitated by a physiotherapist over a six-month period. The other group did not receive any intervention. The researchers then followed both groups for one to three years.
Participants in the walking group were encouraged to walk five times per week for at least 30 minutes daily, with the program being tailored to each individual's age, body mass index, current activity level, time constraints, and personal goals.
Overall, the study found that a regular walking routine can be an effective and accessible intervention for preventing the recurrence of back pain. This research highlights the importance of incorporating movement into treatment programs for back pain and suggests that walking could be a cost-effective and easy-to-access option for many individuals.