Back Pain: A Potential Solution

Back pain is a leading cause of work-loss days according to the Georgetown University Heath Policy Institute; that’s true in just about every high-income country. Finding a solution to reduce back pain occurrence not only reduces lost wages but also improves the quality of life of the individual.

Researchers in Australia wanted to find out whether a walking and educational program would reduce the recurrence of lower back pain resulting in medical treatment. They selected only patients who had lower back pain of undetermined origin; 701 patients were randomly assigned to the control group and experimental group. Both groups received the educational program. The experimental groups also received coaching on a walking program that they were to perform on their own. The goal was to walk 30 minutes per day, five days per week, but the program was adjusted to accommodate individual needs depending on initial fitness levels.

The results were interesting but not unexpected, in my opinion: those subjects in the walking group were 28% less likely to have a reoccurrence. Even better, the time to the next lower back pain event was about twice as long in the walking group, a median of 208 days versus 112 days in the control group. The researchers also found that the quality-of-life index they used was better in the walkers and that the walking program was cost effective compared to conventional treatment.

Lower back pain is something most of us experience at some point in time; wouldn’t it be great to go more than 200 days until your next episode? While some can be issues with nerves and vertebrae, at least some have no real cause other than weakness and tightness in muscles. With some basic core exercises and walking most days of the week, the solution just might be found on the sidewalk or pavement right outside your front door. Just make sure you get professional guidance before you start.

What are you prepared to do today?