Take A Stand To Reduce Back Pain

1 min

The health risks of sitting for long periods of time are well known, from obesity to an increased likelihood of dying from cardiovascular disease and cancer. Now, a recent study conducted by researchers at Finland’s Turku PET Centre suggests that reducing daily sitting time can prevent back pain from worsening over time.

They assigned 64 overweight or obese middle-aged adults to either reduce their time spent sitting by an hour a day or to continue with their typical sedentary behavior. After six months, the researchers accessed the participants’ back pain; they also used advanced imaging techniques to examine the volunteers’ back muscles for changes in fat deposits and glucose metabolism. Individuals with chronic back pain tend to have excessive fat deposits within their back muscles, and impaired glucose metabolism can predispose them to pain.

The participants that reduced their sitting time reported less back pain than the control group. Surprisingly, the investigators found no significant relationship between the reduction in back pain and changes in muscle composition or metabolism. However, the study showed that improvements in back pain could still occur independently of these factors.

The study’s lead author emphasizes that people with a tendency toward back pain or those who sit for extended periods should consider ways to reduce their sitting time, especially through standing more often and engaging in physical activity.