CNA – In the realm of managing lower back pain, healthcare professionals have long advocated for aerobic exercise as a crucial component of treatment plans.
Not only does movement help alleviate discomfort, but it also strengthens the muscles that support the back.
Despite these benefits, many individuals experiencing back pain may hesitate to engage in physical activity.
A recent study, published in The Lancet on Wednesday, provides compelling evidence on the therapeutic value of regular walking.
The research reveals that maintaining a consistent walking routine significantly reduces the recurrence of back pain episodes. Specifically, adults with a history of low back pain who adhered to a regular walking regimen went nearly twice as long without experiencing a recurrence compared to those who did not participate in such a programme.
These findings complement a robust body of existing research linking physical activity with improved outcomes for back pain management.
A systematic review in 2019 highlighted how physical activity lowers the prevalence of back pain, while a 2017 study underscored yoga’s efficacy comparable to physical therapy in pain relief.
The latest study advances this knowledge by observing patients in real-world settings beyond clinical trials.
Led by Professor Mark Hancock of Macquarie University in Australia, the study aimed to assess a cost-effective intervention accessible to a wide audience compared to in-clinic treatments.
The research involved 701 adults who had recently recovered from low back pain episodes. Participants were randomly assigned to two groups: one received a personalised walking and education programme facilitated by a physiotherapist over six sessions in six months, while the other group received no intervention.
Both groups were followed for one to three years.
The walking group aimed to walk five times a week for at least 30 minutes daily, with the programme tailored to individual factors like age, body mass index, current activity levels, time constraints, and personal goals.
Participants also received education on managing pain and were encouraged to adapt their walking routine based on their pain levels.
Dr Hancock noted that many individuals instinctively protect their backs during pain flare-ups by avoiding movement. The education component of the programme aimed to change this mindset, promoting continued activity even during periods of discomfort.
These findings align with a 2020 meta-analysis, co-authored by Dr Hancock, which concluded that regular exercise coupled with education is highly effective in preventing recurrent lower back pain.
Dr Hamza Khalid, a physician at the Cleveland Clinic Center for Spine Health, highlighted the role of core muscle strength in supporting spinal stability. He noted that walking helps strengthen these crucial muscles, potentially preventing fatigue, spine misalignment, and associated pain.
Despite the prevalence of back pain recurrences, Dr Hancock stressed the importance of viewing exercise as a form of medicine.
He cautioned that while exercise is beneficial, it is not a cure-all for chronic or complex back issues, recommending consultation with healthcare professionals for personalised exercise programmes.
Ultimately, the evidence strongly supports the benefits of movement in managing and preventing lower back pain.
As Dr Hancock summarised, the cumulative research underscores the overwhelming effectiveness of physical activity as a key strategy in back pain management.
