New research suggests that millions suffering from back pain can alleviate symptoms by walking more.
A study by Macquarie University’s Spinal Pain Research Group in Sydney found that adults with a history of lower back pain experienced almost double the symptom-free duration if they walked regularly. The clinical trial involved 701 adults who had recently recovered from back pain, assigning them to either a walking program with physiotherapist-guided education or a control group. Over one to three years, the walking group had fewer pain recurrences and longer pain-free periods.
The study highlights walking as a low-cost, accessible intervention that improves quality of life, reduces healthcare needs, and minimizes work absences.