If back pain could be reliably prevented, not only would quality of life be improved, but it would also directly reduce health care 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 experiencing it during their lifetime. In fact, he says, back and neck pain has the highest medical costs and represents an enormous burden on the health care system.
“Our findings show the importance of taking time to be physically active to prevent not only chronic back pain but many other diseases, which will translate into huge savings for society in the long run,” says NTNU Professor Paul Jarley-Mork.
Prevent back pain with small measures in daily life
The causes of chronic low back pain are complex. It is believed to develop from a combination of various factors, including aging, poor posture, muscle weakness, and psychological stress. Traditional treatments have focused on medication and physical therapy, making it difficult to reliably prevent recurrence. The effectiveness of walking, a simple and low-cost 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, weight management, and improving mental health. This research supports the broad health benefits of walking, not limited to one symptom of low back pain.
Small everyday changes, like walking more when traveling or shopping, or taking the stairs instead of the elevator, can help prevent back pain. Even for people who already suffer from back pain, these can be effective ways to reduce the risk of recurrence.
Wear shoes, go outside and take a walk. This can be the first step towards becoming free from back pain in the future.
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