Health reports that people had less frequent episodes of low back pain when they walked regularly, according to a new study.¹

The research, published on June 19 in The Lancet, highlights the importance of walking as a simple health intervention, especially given the toll low back pain takes on patients and the healthcare system at large, experts said.

The study’s results are also promising because, unlike many forms of activity, walking is a safe and accessible exercise for most people, added Paul M. Cooke, MD, physiatrist at HSS. 

“Almost all people can benefit from daily walks in some capacity,” Dr. Cooke told Health.

“Regular walking helps strengthen leg and core muscles, enhance aerobic capacity, control body weight, and reduce stress and tension,” Dr. Cooke explained. “These can all contribute to improving back pain.”

Read the full article at health.com.