Here’s How Much You Should Walk Every Day to Prevent Back Pain

If back pain can be reliably prevented, not only will the quality of life be improved, but it will also directly lead to a reduction in healthcare costs for society as a whole. According to the research team, back pain is one of the most common health problems in Norway, with 60 to 80 percent of people suffering from it during their lifetime. In fact, they say, back and neck pain cause the highest medical costs and represent a huge burden on the health care system.

“Our results show the importance of finding time to be physically active to prevent not only chronic back pain, but also many other diseases, which will result in enormous savings for society in the long term,” says Paul Jarle-Mörck, professor at NTNU.

Preventing back pain with small measures in everyday life

The causes of chronic lower back pain are complex. It is thought to develop from a combination of various factors, including aging, poor posture, muscle weakness and psychological stress. Conventional treatments have focused on medication and physiotherapy, making it difficult to reliably prevent recurrence. The effectiveness of walking, a simple and inexpensive method, has now been demonstrated, which could lead to a major change in treatment.

The benefits of walking are not limited to lower back pain. Walking has a wide range of positive effects, including improving cardiopulmonary function, maintaining bone density, managing weight, and improving mental health. This research supports the comprehensive health benefits of walking, not just the symptom of lower back pain.

Small daily changes, such as walking more when commuting or shopping, or taking the stairs instead of the elevator, can help prevent back pain. Even for those who already suffer from back pain, these measures can be effective in reducing the risk of recurrence.

Wear shoes, get out and walk. This may be the first step towards a future without back pain.