It will prevent the pain from getting worse.
New research from Finland suggests that reducing time spent sitting may help prevent back pain from worsening. The study found that even small reductions in sitting time can make a difference for people already experiencing back pain. The lead author, Jooa Norha from the University of Turku, emphasized the importance of finding ways to minimize sitting, whether at work or during leisure time, to support back health.
The study involved 64 overweight or obese participants who were already dealing with some level of back pain. These individuals were asked to reduce their sitting time by 40 minutes each day. After six months, those who sat less experienced no significant change in their back pain, while those in the control group, who did not reduce their sitting time, saw a notable increase in pain. This finding highlights the potential benefits of reducing sitting time for managing back pain.
Norha pointed out that the participants had typical sedentary lifestyles, with little exercise and some extra weight, factors that increase the risk for both cardiovascular disease and back pain. While the exact mechanism behind the connection between sitting less and reduced back pain is unclear, the study did not find a direct relationship between changes in back muscles’ fat content or glucose metabolism and pain relief.
Despite these unclear mechanisms, Norha encourages people with back pain to engage in physical activity. He stressed that movement, such as walking or more intense exercise, is more beneficial than simply standing up. Physical activity is seen as a key factor in maintaining back health and preventing further discomfort.
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