A new study published in The Lancet has found that a simple 30-minute walk five times a week can significantly reduce lower back pain.
Regular walking not only alleviates pain but also leads to fewer medical visits compared to those who remain sedentary.
Low back pain affects hundreds of millions worldwide, with projections suggesting that 843 million people will suffer from it by 2050.
The study highlights that almost 70% of people who recover from an episode of back pain will experience a recurrence within the following year. However, regular walking helps keep pain at bay for almost twice as long, suggesting its preventive benefits, the New York Post reported.
Experts say that lifestyle factors such as bending over to pick up heavy items and sitting in poor posture, mainly while using phones and laptops, contribute to back pain.
Dr. Jason Lipetz, a spine medicine specialist, told the Post that even small activities like getting in and out of a car can place unnecessary pressure on the spine, contributing to discomfort.
Despite the global rise in back pain, especially among younger generations due to sedentary lifestyles, walking is a free, accessible, and low-impact exercise that offers relief. Unlike high-intensity workouts, walking is practical and can help improve quality of life while reducing pain. Additionally, studies have shown that walking 5,000 steps three times a week can increase life expectancy and lower healthcare costs.
For optimal results, walking at a brisk pace may be more beneficial than a slower stroll, and incorporating interval training or walking on elevated terrain can increase intensity and calorie burn. Walking is a simple and effective health, pain relief, and longevity solution.
This article was written with the assistance of artificial intelligence.