"Back Pain: Walking Your Way to Less Pain"

Back pain is a common issue that affects many individuals, but did you know that a simple and effective solution to reducing back pain is walking? Our bodies are designed to move, and movement has a positive impact on multiple body systems. In this blog post, we'll discuss the benefits of walking and how it can help reduce back pain.

Walking is a low-impact form of exercise that can help improve circulation, increase flexibility and range of motion, and strengthen muscles in the back and other areas of the body. As you walk, you are also helping to maintain a healthy weight and improve posture, both of which can reduce the strain on your back. In addition, walking can also help reduce stress, which can be a contributing factor to back pain. It also can cause your body to release “feel good” hormones that also turn down the dial on your pain.

Also of importance is your gait mechanics, which is the way we walk. Improper gait can put extra strain on the back and other joints, leading to chronic pain and injury. I once heard a story from the lead physician for the former Cleveland Indians who described a case with a pitcher who was encountering elbow pain. They discovered that his elbow pain was actually caused by his step length being just a couple inches too short causing compensatory changes all the way up the chain causing increased torque on the elbow ligaments. All that to say, something small in the way you walk, could cause a major effect or contributor to your back pain. A physical therapist can perform a gait analysis to assess your walking pattern and provide personalized recommendations to improve your gait and reduce pain.

So remember, walking is a simple yet effective solution to reducing back pain. By incorporating regular walks into your daily routine, you can help maintain a healthy weight, improve posture and gait, and reduce stress. If you are experiencing back pain and ready to take control of your pain, a physical therapist at Resolve Physical Therapy can perform a comprehensive assessment and provide a personalized treatment plan to help reduce pain and improve your overall quality of life. Don't wait, schedule an appointment today!