Introduction to Lower Back Pain
Chronic back pain is a leading cause of disability in the US. fizkes – stock.adobe.com
A new study found that walking every day can significantly reduce your risk of lower back pain, which is a major drain on wallets, well-being and workdays across the US.
But there’s a catch: how far you go and how fast you move makes all the difference in how much protection you’ll actually get.
The Study
Scientists at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology analyzed data from more than 11,000 adults over the age of 20 who had no history of chronic back pain at the start of the study.
Each participant wore an activity tracker for a week, logging how long and how briskly they walked. Researchers then followed up over four years to see who developed lower back pain.
Findings
By the end, the results were clear: “The more steps the participants took, the less frequently they experienced back pain,” the study authors wrote.
Those who walked between 78 and 100 minutes a day lowered their odds by 13%. For people who clocked over 100 minutes daily, the risk dropped by a whopping 23%.
But it wasn’t just about putting in time. Pace mattered, too.
Walking has been linked to a wide range of physical and mental health benefits. Prostock-studio – stock.adobe.com
Researchers found that participants who walked faster reduced their risk of developing lower back pain by 15% to 18% compared to slower walkers.
Importance of Walking
Still, total time on your feet made the biggest difference. The lowest chances were seen in people who walked more and picked up the pace.
“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, lead author of the study, told CNN.
Chronic back pain is persistent for at least 12 consecutive weeks. amnaj – stock.adobe.com
Impact of Back Pain
Back pain is one of the top reasons Americans go to the doctor.
Roughly 65 million Americans have had a recent flare up, and about 16 million suffer from chronic symptoms that interfere with their daily lives, according to Georgetown University’s Health Policy Institute.
Common causes include arthritis, herniated discs and injuries. Johns Hopkins Medicine reports that lifestyle factors like smoking, obesity and lack of physical activity also increase the risk.
Effects of Back Pain
The ripple effects are serious.
Back pain is a leading cause of disability and missed workdays in the US — and it takes a major toll on overall health. One in four sufferers say they’re in poor physical condition, more than double the rate of their pain-free peers.
But it’s not just physical. Chronic back pain also affects people’s social lives, relationships, and ability to enjoy everyday activities.
Nearly three-quarters of adults with back pain report feeling sad, worthless or hopeless — and they’re far more likely to battle depression, anger and stress than those without.
Economic Burden
The price tag isn’t small, either.
Back pain is the sixth most expensive condition in the country, costing the US more than $12 billion a year in medical bills and lost productivity.
Conclusion
Walking is a simple and effective way to reduce the risk of lower back pain. By incorporating walking into your daily routine, you can significantly lower your chances of developing this debilitating condition. Remember, the more steps you take and the faster you walk, the greater the benefits will be.
FAQs
Q: How much walking is required to reduce the risk of lower back pain?
A: Walking between 78 and 100 minutes a day can lower the odds of lower back pain by 13%, while walking over 100 minutes daily can reduce the risk by 23%.
Q: Does the pace of walking matter?
A: Yes, walking faster can reduce the risk of developing lower back pain by 15% to 18% compared to slower walkers.
Q: What are the benefits of walking for lower back pain?
A: Walking can reduce the risk of lower back pain, improve overall health, and decrease the likelihood of disability and missed workdays.
Q: How common is lower back pain in the US?
A: Roughly 65 million Americans have had a recent flare up, and about 16 million suffer from chronic symptoms that interfere with their daily lives.
Q: What is the economic burden of lower back pain in the US?
A: Back pain is the sixth most expensive condition in the country, costing the US more than $12 billion a year in medical bills and lost productivity.
