PORTLAND, Ore. (KATU) — It’s a problem that millions of Americans face. Lower back pain can have a significant impact on your body, limiting range of motion, and even causing pain that radiates to other parts of the body. But there is a path to relief without medication.
It’s a common complaint. Data from a National Health Interview survey showed 39% of all US adults reported back pain in 2019.
The percentage of adults who experienced it increased with age. More than 45% of those aged 65 and older reported this pain. And women were found to be more likely to experience back pain than men.
“New research suggests there’s an easy way to possibly prevent it, and that’s by simply walking, simply moving. A recent study linked walking to fewer flare-ups and backaches, and we know that walking is good for the entire body,” said Dr. Sanjay Gupta, host of the Chasing Life podcast.
Gupta said walking helps strengthen muscles, improves metabolism, and more. But if you’re just starting out, he cautioned not to try and do too much at first.
“Make sure to vary your pace and distance throughout the week, especially if you’re in pain. Also consider adding resistance training and stretching, particularly back exercises to your routine,” Gupta said.
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And if you plan to start walking, Gupta said what you wear on your feet is also important so that you don’t injure other parts of your body.
“Experts also recommend getting proper fitting shoes with good arch support, very important for your hips and your back,” Gupta said.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said common causes of lower back pain include heavy manual labor, sitting for long periods of time, or sudden movements like bending or twisting. But it can also be caused by certain medical conditions. Those include sprains, spinal stenosis, and arthritis.
