New Delhi: A recent study suggests that reducing daily sitting time and incorporating walking or brisk exercise can help prevent worsening back pain. Back pain, a common issue worldwide, is often caused by muscle strain, disk damage, or conditions like scoliosis and osteoporosis.
Jooa Norha, a Doctoral Researcher and Physiotherapist from the University of Turku in Finland emphasized the importance of reducing sitting time, whether at work or during leisure activities, for those concerned about their back health.
To explore the connection between physical activity and back pain, the researchers conducted a study involving 64 adults who were either overweight or had obesity and metabolic syndrome. Over a six-month period, participants managed to reduce their sitting time by an average of 40 minutes per day.
Excessive fat deposits in the back muscles and impaired glucose metabolism, common in those with back pain, were investigated. However, the study did not establish a direct link between these factors and back pain. Despite this, researchers noted that individuals with obesity and metabolic syndrome face a higher risk of developing back pain and cardiovascular diseases.
Norha added that simply standing up may not be sufficient to alleviate back pain. Instead, walking or engaging in more brisk physical activity appears to be more effective. The study also highlighted that switching between different postures is more important than trying to maintain a single, "perfect" posture.
Global back pain is on the rise. According to a recent analysis published in The Lancet Rheumatology, over 800 million people are expected to suffer from lower back pain by 2050, a 36% increase since 2020. As of 2020, approximately 619 million people worldwide were affected by this condition, a significant increase since 2017 when the number of cases surpassed half a billion.
These findings emphasize the need for proactive measures, such as reducing sedentary time and increasing physical activity, to prevent and manage back pain. Researchers continue to call for further studies to fully understand the mechanisms behind back pain and how lifestyle changes can help reduce its prevalence.