Walking for 30 minutes regularly prevents recurrence of lower back pain

There are different types of low back pain, but they are basically divided into three: The most common is mechanical low back pain, which includes most spinal conditions and is usually associated with posture problems; There is also lumbar pain, which is lower back pain that radiates to the lower extremities due to nerve root compression and is usually associated with a herniated disc. Finally, lumbar canal stenosis, which is characterized by aging in the lower region of the spine, can alter the lumbar canal, causing a narrowing of the area through which the nerve roots pass. The latter tends to affect older people more and causes difficulty walking.

According to orthopedic surgeon Mario Lenza, medical director of orthopedic surgery at Israelita Albert Einstein Hospital, when low back pain is not accompanied by neurological symptoms, treatment is usually conservative and in the manner planned by the study authors: lifestyle changes and physical exercise, preferably Under the supervision of a physiotherapist or physical educator.

“The results of this study scientifically confirm the advice of our ancestors: walking is good for you. They were able to prove what doctors have always recommended, which is that walking effectively improves attacks of chronic low back pain,” Lenza analyzes.

However, although walking is a simple and easy-to-implement exercise in theory, there are scenarios to consider, especially for patients with chronic pain who sit in an unstable position. In these cases, including physical activity in your daily life may not be immediately indicated and, moreover, may cause further episodes of pain.

“Walking is the beginning of this transition from a sedentary lifestyle to physical activity, and it can actually cause pain in the knees, ankles, and feet. Even simple walking needs careful guidance, as happened in the study. No, it’s just telling the patient to start walking down the street,” she said. Linza thinks. Without adequate monitoring, in fact, there is a risk of infection. “Those who have never walked need guidance on how to warm up, how to walk, what shoes are appropriate, among other things.”

For this reason, the orthopedic surgeon emphasizes the importance of medical treatment, physical therapy, or the supervision of a physical educator in this transition from a sedentary lifestyle to the beginning of physical activity. “It is necessary to take a closer look at this patient who suffers from chronic low back pain. For many, it is difficult to include physical activity in the routine. When they overcome this first barrier and decide to exercise, this onset can cause pain. This can be a factor Frustrating and making him give up,” warns the orthopedist.