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Impact Of Walking On Chronic Low Back Pain

April 8, 2019

walking-exercise-chronic-pain-low back pain

Low back pain remains the most common musculoskeletal diagnosis seen by primary care providers including Physical Therapists. While the majority of cases of low back pain are not serious in nature symptoms tend to be recurrent and can become chronic (> 3 months) if left untreated. As low back pain progresses from acute to chronic in nature changes in the both the peripheral and central nervous systems can occur leading to increased symptoms and loss of function. Patients with signs and symptoms consistent with nervous system changes are often prescribed pain science education and graded exercise to improve their symptoms and most importantly participation in life, work, and recreational activities. A recent review of the research examines the impact of walking vs. general exercise on patients with chronic low back pain.

Vanti and colleagues reviewed the available research on the effects of walking alone compared to exercise, as well as, the impact of the addition of walking to other forms of exercise (Disabil Rehabil. 2019). They reviewed 5 randomized controlled trials on the topic and make recommendations based off this evidence. In general, most forms of exercise including walking, showed a positive effect on a patient’s low back pain, fear of activity, and disability. Authors noted walking was not superior to other forms of exercise, but may be more easily implemented because of its’ ease of implementation compared to other forms of exercise. This study confirms prior research advocating for increasing the activity levels of patients with chronic back pain.

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