Dealing with back pain can make daily activities uncomfortable, and finding relief can be a challenge. However, researchers suggest a simple solution that could help alleviate back pain and extend the time between episodes.
According to studies, over 600 million people worldwide experience back pain, with 7 out of 10 individuals facing a relapse within a year after initial recovery. Back pain is considered a major cause of disability globally. A study conducted by the Spine Pain Research Group at Macquarie University in Australia revealed that regular walking could be beneficial in treating back pain. This approach may be more practical than other recommended exercises, which could be costly or require supervision.
A recent study published in the Lancet journal involved 701 adults who had recovered from low back pain lasting at least 24 hours. Participants were divided into three groups: a personalized walking program, sessions with a physical therapist, or a control group receiving no treatment. The researchers monitored the participants for one to three years and found that those in the walking program experienced less activity-limiting back pain and reduced the need for medical assistance and time off work by half.
Moreover, the time between back pain incidents nearly doubled for those in the walking program. Dr. Mark Hancock, the senior author of the study, emphasized that walking is a cost-effective and accessible form of exercise that can benefit individuals of all backgrounds.
While some experts believe that walking can be beneficial for back pain, others argue that the study results may not provide conclusive evidence. Dr. Franziska Denk from King’s College London acknowledges the benefits of low-intensity exercise but highlights the importance of gradually incorporating physical activity to manage back pain.
Overall, walking is seen as a potentially helpful method for addressing back pain, but individuals should approach it with caution and patience to see long-term improvements.
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Source: www.sciencefocus.com
