Anyone with lower back pain knows that it can be a debilitating condition that limits the ability to move and participate in daily life. Currently, an estimated 65 million Americans suffer from lower back pain. New research suggests that simply getting up and walking through the pain is a highly effective way to reduce aches and get back to a normal life. Some 16 million American adults experience chronic back pain thanks in part to high rates of inactivity and obesity, while tens of millions more experience some form of the discomfort. This translates to lost time at work, expensive trips to physical therapists, and fees for exercises that require specialized equipment. Walking is a free intervention, making it uniquely attractive and accessible. Walking not only reduces pain and eliminates the need for doctor visits, it also improves sleep habits and mood. The CDC recommends getting in 20 minutes a day of moderate intensity exercise, like brisk walking. While it might seem boring, walking improves blood circulation to the muscles, helps manage weight, improves metabolism, and releases mood-boosting endorphins.
