TRONDHEIM, June 13, 2025 – Men and women who spend at least 100 minutes walking per day saw a 23 % reduction in chronic low back pain, compared to those walking under 78 minutes, according to a Norwegian cohort study published in JAMA Network Open. Participants (n≈11,200, average age 55) wore accelerometers between 2017–2019, then were surveyed 2021–2023 for new chronic back pain cases lasting over three months.
Experts highlighted walking volume rather than pace as the key factor—moderate intensity offered an additional 18 % risk reduction. Biomechanisms may include improved spine mobility, muscle activation, circulation, and reduced inflammation, alongside enhanced mental well-being from endorphin release.
Study limitations include its Norwegian population—Americans tend to walk less—so results may not generalize globally. Randomized trials are needed to confirm causality.
On a practical level, walking is a low-cost, accessible preventive measure. Guidelines: aim for 100+ minutes daily, in any format—continuous or breaks—to significantly reduce chronic back pain risk.
Read more: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2835297