If you suffer from low back pain or worry about developing it, incorporating regular exercise into your routine could be a game-changer. Recent findings, highlighted in an article from The Lancet, suggest that exercise isn’t just beneficial for overall health, it can also prevent low back pain from occurring or worsening.
Low back pain is a common issue that affects many people at some point in their lives. Risk factors include obesity, physical inactivity, demanding occupational load and/or poor mental wellbeing. Therefore, when working to prevent or manage this condition, it’s important to take a holistic approach to optimise your outcome.
While it might seem natural to rest when your back hurts, research now shows that regular physical activity is one of the most effective ways to manage and prevent low back pain. By engaging in exercises that strengthen muscles, improve flexibility, enhance endurance and promote healthy mental well-being, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing low back pain. These exercises don’t have to be intense. Simple activities like walking, swimming, or yoga can make a big difference.
If you’re new to exercise or concerned about starting, it’s always a good idea to consult with a physiotherapist. To find out more about the benefit of physiotherapy on your spinal health, please feel free to get in touch with The Leicester Physio team.
References
- Pocovi, N. C. (2024). Effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of an individualised, progressive walking and education intervention for the prevention of low back pain recurrence in Australia (WalkBack): a randomised controlled trial. The Lancet. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0140-6736(24)00755-4
- NICE. (n.d.-b). CKS is only available in the UK. https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/back-pain-low-without-radiculopathy/background-information/risk-factors/