Category: Back Pain | Author: Stefano Sinicropi
Walking is a simple and low-cost form of exercise that has a number of health benefits, but it may also be incredibly helpful for the long-term health of your spine. New research suggests that putting one foot in front of the other on a regular basis may greatly decrease your risk of developing chronic low back pain.
We know that walking is great for your overall health, but a new study published in JAMA Network Open found that it can also be a great way to reduce your likelihood of developing chronic low back pain. The study involved nearly 12,000 people over the age of 20, and it analyzed their walking habits and their spine health.
Walking And Spine Health
After looking at the data, researchers found that walking for 100 minutes a day was associated with a 23% reduced risk of chronic low back pain compared to those who walked for 78 minutes or less a day. This effect was even more pronounced in individuals over the age of 65 compared to younger adults, suggesting that older adults can really help keep back pain at bay by remaining active and walking each day.
“Our findings suggest that daily walking volume is more important than mean walking intensity in reducing the risk of chronic LBP,” researchers said.
Researchers noted that the reduction in risk was similar for individuals who walked between 100 and 125 minutes a day and those who walked for more than 125 minutes, suggesting that at least 100 minutes of walking may be the magical number to shoot for.
Walking and regular exercise are key aspects of a healthy lifestyle, and if you pair activity with habits like an improved diet and quality sleep, you’ll be putting your body in a great position to remain strong and keep chronic low back pain at bay. Of course, if back pain develops and you need help overcoming it, we’re here to help. Dr. Sinicropi has helped countless individuals identify and address their back pain issues, and he’d be more than happy to help do the same for you.
Stay active and keep walking, but if back pain develops or persists, turn to an expert in his field for assistance. For help with back problems in the greater Twin Cities area, connect with Dr. Sinicropi and the talented team at The Midwest Spine & Brain Institute today at (651) 430-3800.
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