Strolling regularly is linked to diminished again ache, and it’s the entire quantity of strolling that issues most, not how intense it’s.
A big analysis effort examined how day by day strolling pertains to the chance of growing power decrease again issues. If individuals undertake the straightforward steering that emerges, the method might ease again ache for a lot of and cut back prices for healthcare methods.
The outcomes are clear: individuals who stroll extra are inclined to have fewer decrease again points, and complete time on foot issues greater than velocity or depth. In sensible phrases, strolling longer is extra helpful than strolling sooner.
“Individuals who stroll greater than 100 minutes on daily basis have a 23 per cent decrease threat of decrease again issues than those that stroll 78 minutes or much less,” mentioned Rayane Haddadj.
He’s a PhD candidate on the Division of Public Well being and Nursing on the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), and is a part of a analysis group that particularly research musculoskeletal problems.
The findings have been revealed in JAMA Network Open and have already drawn significant attention.
Even leisurely strolls are beneficial
It probably comes as no surprise that physical activity is good for your back, but until now, we have not actually known whether the amount of low-intensity walking we do also helps.
“Intensity also plays a role in the risk of long-term back problems, but not as much as the daily amount of walking,” emphasized Haddadj.
A total of 11,194 people participated in the study, which is part of the Trøndelag Health Study (The HUNT Study). What makes this study unique is that the volume and intensity of daily walking were measured using two sensors that participants wore on their thighs and back for up to a week.
The results may be important in relation to preventing chronic back problems. Until now, there has been little research on the prevention of these types of musculoskeletal problems. It is well known that physical activity can prevent a wide range of illnesses and ailments. This study is important because it confirms that physical activity, and especially daily walking, can help prevent long-term lower back problems.
Back pain is a very common ailment
“The findings highlight the importance of finding time to be physically active – to prevent both chronic back problems and a number of other diseases. Over time, this could lead to major savings for society,” said Paul Jarle Mork, a professor at NTNU’s Department of Public Health and Nursing.
Back and neck problems cost society several billion kroner every year. Musculoskeletal disorders are likely the largest expense within the Norwegian healthcare system.
Back pain is one of the most common health problems in Norway. Depending on what you include, between 60 and 80 per cent of us will experience back problems at some point in our lives. At any given time, around one in five Norwegians has back trouble.
The causes are many and complex, but the solution might be as simple as putting on your shoes and going for a walk – each and every day.
Reference: “Volume and Intensity of Walking and Risk of Chronic Low Back Pain” by Rayane Haddadj, Anne Lovise Nordstoga, Tom Ivar Lund Nilsen, Eivind Schjelderup Skarpsno, Atle Kongsvold, Mats Flaaten, Jasper Schipperijn, Kerstin Bach and Paul Jarle Mork, 13 June 2025, JAMA Network Open.
DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.15592
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