How much walking do we need to do to prevent chronic back pain?

Back pain is considered a leading cause of disability worldwide. But the solution may not be expensive ergonomic chairs, but a simple exercise: walking.

Those who walk 100 minutes a day have a 23 percent lower risk

Researchers from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology analyzed health data from more than 11,000 adults. The participants wore accelerometers attached to their thighs and waist for a week, recording how far and at what speed they walked throughout the day.

Those who walked 78 to 100 minutes had a 13 percent lower risk of developing chronic back pain than those who walked less than 78 minutes per day.

This rate rises to 23 percent for those who walk more than 100 minutes a day.

While walking pace also appears to be beneficial, the research team emphasizes that total walking time is more decisive than walking intensity.

“Our results suggest that daily walking duration is more important than walking speed in reducing the risk of low back pain,” said health scientist Rayane Haddadj, lead author of the study.

A simple solution in the age of inactivity: Walking

The sedentary lifestyle of modern life triggers many health problems such as back pain.

However, walking not only prevents back pain; it also supports brain health, reduces the risk of heart disease, increases creativity and extends lifespan.

The researchers say these results indicate that walking should be encouraged in health policies.

Because walking can be a preventative health strategy that is both easy to implement and low-cost.