Is walking good for lower back pain?

Thomas Faulkner, Mchiro, DC
November 28th, 2022

Walking Your Way to a Healthier Back

If so, you’re not alone. In fact, according to the American Chiropractic Association, 31 million Americans experience lower back pain at any given time.

And while there are numerous treatments available—from chiropractic care to physical therapy to surgery—one of the most effective (and cheapest) solutions may be the simplest: walking.

So, in this article, we will be diving into the question: is walking good for lower back pain?

Walking is Low-Impact form of Exercise

One of the main advantages of walking is that it’s a low-impact form of exercise. This means that it’s gentle on the joints and muscles, which is ideal for people who are struggling with pain. Running or other high-impact activities can actually make the pain worse, so walking is often the best form of exercise for people with lower back pain.

Walking Strengthens Core Muscles

Another benefit of walking is that it helps to strengthen the core muscles around the spine. Stronger muscles provide better support for the spine and can help to prevent further injury. Walking also helps to improve posture, which can further alleviate pain by ensuring that the spine is properly aligned.

Walking Boosts Endorphins

Walking releases endorphins, which are hormones that have mood-boosting and pain-relieving effects. This means that walking can help to improve your mood while also helping to reduce your perception of pain. In addition, endorphins have been shown to promote relaxation, which can further reduce stress and tension in the body.

The science of walking for lower back pain

Walking is a low-impact form of exercise, which means it is easy on the joints and muscles. This makes it ideal for people who are suffering from lower back pain due to arthritis or other conditions that cause inflammation. Walking also helps improve circulation and strengthens the muscles in the legs and hip area, which can take some of the pressure off of the spine.

Conclusion

So if you’re suffering from lower back pain, don’t despair—a simple walk around the block could be just what you need to start feeling better. With its low-impact nature and ability to improve circulation and muscle strength, walking is an ideal form of exercise for people with arthritis or other conditions causing inflammation.

So put on those comfortable shoes and get moving! Your back will thank you.