Norwegian Study Links Daily Walking to 23% Reduced Chronic Back Pain Risk

Multiple recent studies highlight the protective benefits of walking against chronic low back pain. A large Norwegian cohort study involving over 11,000 adults found that walking for about 78 to 100 minutes daily can reduce the risk of developing chronic low back pain by up to 23%, with faster walking speeds providing additional, though smaller, benefits. The protective effect of walking appears dose-dependent, leveling off after 100 minutes per day. Experts explain that walking engages core muscles and reduces spinal loading compared to prolonged sitting, which is a common contributor to back pain. Additionally, research from the UK indicates that walking in natural environments not only offers physical benefits but also provides psychological relief and social connection for those with chronic back pain. These findings suggest that walking, especially in pleasant surroundings, could be promoted as a low-cost, accessible strategy to help prevent and manage chronic lower back pain.