A groundbreaking new study has shed light on the intricate relationship between daily walking habits and the risk of developing chronic lower back pain, a pervasive ailment affecting millions worldwide. This comprehensive investigation has revealed that the sheer volume of walking—measured in minutes per day—plays a far more critical role in mitigating the risk of back pain than the intensity or speed of the walking itself. These findings not only promise relief to those suffering from persistent back issues but also suggest an effective, accessible strategy that could alleviate significant economic burdens on healthcare systems globally.
The research was spearheaded by Rayane Haddadj, a PhD candidate specializing in musculoskeletal disorders at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology’s Department of Public Health and Nursing. Haddadj emphasizes, “Our data conclusively shows that individuals who engage in walking for more than 100 minutes each day experience a 23 percent reduction in the risk of chronic lower back problems compared to those who walk less than 78 minutes.” This statistic underlines the importance of sustained moderate physical activity rather than sporadic bouts of vigorous exercise for long-term spinal health.
A unique aspect of this study was its methodological rigor in measuring physical activity. Unlike previous research that relied on self-reported questionnaires, which are prone to recall bias, this investigation utilized wearable sensors placed on participants’ thighs and backs. These devices continuously monitored both the volume and intensity of daily walking over a week-long period, allowing researchers to gather precise, objective data. Over 11,000 individuals participated as part of the Trøndelag Health Study (The HUNT Study), one of the largest population-based health surveys in the Nordic region.
The detailed sensor data provided unprecedented insight into how everyday walking, including casual and low-intensity ambulation, contributes to spinal health. Surprisingly, the findings suggest that leisurely strolls offer significant protective benefits against chronic lower back problems, even if the pace is slow. This challenges common assumptions that only vigorous or high-intensity exercise yields meaningful health outcomes, broadening the scope of accessible preventive measures for the general population.
Delving deeper into the biomechanics, walking promotes spinal stabilization by activating core musculature and improving circulation to spinal discs, which are known to degenerate over time or due to sedentary lifestyles. This maintenance of spinal integrity can be critically important in averting the cascade of musculoskeletal deterioration that often culminates in persistent lower back pain. The benefits of increased walking volume thus transcend mere cardiovascular health and extend to structural resilience within the lumbar region.
Chronic lower back pain represents one of the most debilitating and costly health challenges in modern societies. In Norway, for example, back and neck problems collectively cost billions of kroner annually, placing musculoskeletal disorders among the largest financial drains in the healthcare system. This underscores the urgency for effective, low-cost interventions. According to Professor Paul Jarle Mork from NTNU’s Department of Public Health and Nursing, “Encouraging increased walking not only tackles chronic back pain but also mitigates various other non-communicable diseases, potentially yielding substantial societal savings over time.”
Epidemiologically, between 60 and 80 percent of individuals globally experience back pain at some stage in their lives, with nearly one in five suffering from current back issues at any moment. The multifactorial etiology of these problems—ranging from genetic predispositions and occupational hazards to lifestyle factors like prolonged sitting—complicates prevention and treatment strategies. This new evidence from the HUNT Study advocates for a universally applicable, straightforward behavioral modification: consistent daily walking.
While intensity does indeed correlate with some health advantages, the volume of walking outweighs velocity in terms of reducing chronic lower back pain risk. This realization opens the door for public health campaigns tailored toward promoting longer durations of daily ambulation rather than pushing for speed or athleticism, making the intervention feasible for older adults, those with limited mobility, and sedentary populations.
The longitudinal design and large sample size enhance the robustness and generalizability of these findings. The integration of advanced sensor technologies signifies a leap forward in physical activity epidemiology, as such objective measurements eliminate many confounding biases inherent in self-reporting instruments. These technological advancements pave the way for future research to unravel the nuanced effects of various physical activities on musculoskeletal health.
Importantly, the study’s implications extend beyond mere prevention and touch on potential rehabilitation paradigms. In clinical contexts, encouraging patients recovering from back injuries or surgeries to gradually increase their daily walking time can be a non-invasive strategy that fosters tissue healing and functional restoration. Moreover, this approach empowers individuals to take charge of their health through accessible, cost-free means.
In conclusion, this landmark research underscores that the prescription for a healthier back could be as simple as dedicating over an hour and a half each day to walking, regardless of pace. It challenges entrenched notions that vigorous exercise is the gold standard for musculoskeletal well-being and champions a more inclusive, sustainable path. By realigning public health priorities to emphasize walking volume, societies can hope to curb the silent epidemic of chronic lower back pain while simultaneously reducing healthcare expenditures and improving quality of life worldwide.
Subject of Research: People
Article Title: Volume and Intensity of Walking and Risk of Chronic Low Back Pain
News Publication Date: 13-Jun-2025
Web References:
https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2835297
References:
Haddadj R, Nordstoga AL, Nilsen TIL, et al. Volume and Intensity of Walking and Risk of Chronic Low Back Pain. JAMA Netw Open. 2025;8(6):e2515592. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.15592
Keywords:
Chronic Lower Back Pain, Walking Volume, Walking Intensity, Musculoskeletal Disorders, Physical Activity, Back Pain Prevention, Epidemiology, Sensor-Based Measurement, Public Health, Norway, Chronic Pain Management
