Back pain is a common issue that can be chronic and impact daily life. Researchers are exploring effective strategies to help those experiencing back pain. A recent study suggested that increasing daily activity and reducing sedentary behavior could help prevent worsening back pain. In the United States, back pain is prevalent, with risk factors including being overweight, older, or having stress-related conditions. Lifestyle interventions are being studied to determine the most effective ways to manage back pain.
A study published in BMJ Open examined the impact of reducing sedentary behavior by an hour a day on back pain. Participants who increased moderate to vigorous activity by 20 minutes and decreased sedentary behavior by 40 minutes daily saw less back pain progression over six months. The study aimed to understand the connection between back pain, sedentary behavior, insulin sensitivity, disability, and paraspinal muscle fat fraction, all of which are related to back pain. The participants had obesity or overweight, limited physical activity, and metabolic syndrome.
The intervention group in the study aimed to reduce sedentary behavior by one hour daily, while the control group maintained their normal lifestyle. The intervention did not lead to changes in back pain for the participants, while the control group experienced a significant increase in back pain over time. Both groups saw an increase in pain-related disability, but there were no significant differences between the two groups. The findings suggest that even small changes in daily activity could benefit individuals with back pain.
Study author, Jooa Norha, emphasized the importance of reducing sitting time to prevent back pain. The findings highlight the significance of making adjustments to daily habits to improve back pain outcomes. Back pain is a common issue that affects a large percentage of the population, with pain increasing with age and the development of chronic diseases. Back pain management specialists recommend individualized treatment plans, and increasing activity is a beneficial strategy to consider.
While the study has limitations, such as a small sample size and short time frame, it contributes to the understanding of the impact of reducing sedentary behavior on back pain. Future research could focus on more diverse populations and include individuals with varying levels of pain severity. The study also did not consider pain history in the selection criteria and relied on self-reported data from participants. Overall, the findings suggest that reducing sitting time and increasing physical activity could be effective for managing back pain. Continued research in this area is needed to further explore the benefits of lifestyle interventions for individuals with back pain.
