Take a walk to reduce low back pain

UF Health Podcasts

Low back pain is an often-chronic condition many accept as just a natural part of aging. But what if ditching low back pain was as simple as taking a walk? A new study suggests it might be.

Australian researchers recruited adults who had recently experienced an episode of lower back pain for at least 24 hours and who had no specific diagnosis. Participants were randomly assigned to a group that received intervention that included walking, education, and six physiotherapy sessions, or to a control group that received no treatment.

The researchers then tracked them for one to three years. Those assigned to the intervention participated in an individual walking program guided by a physical therapist and managed to ensure the walker stuck with the plan. Participants walked in their free time with a loose target of five 30-minute walks per week for six months.

Participants kept a walking diary and attended follow-up sessions with their physical therapist. They also learned more about pain science and how to reduce the risk of low back pain, as well as how to manage minor pain recurrences.

Results found that those who followed the plan saw a significant reduction in the recurrence of low back pain. Researchers also found the treatment to be more cost-effective for those receiving intervention compared with those who received no treatment.

An estimated 843 million people around the world will suffer from low back pain by 2050. Its debilitating effects take a toll mentally, physically, and financially.

Now, lacing up those sneakers may be all you need to find relief. Take a walk and tell your backache to take a hike.