Is Walking Good for Back Pain?
If you’re searching for an answer to this question you’re in the right place! Throughout this post, we’ll be discussing the benefits of walking for back pain and how you yourself can incorporate walking into your daily routine for health benefits, pain relief, and an overall upgraded lifestyle. Enjoy!
Yes, It Certainly Can Be!
Yes, walking can certainly be good for back pain. We’re mobile creatures. We’re meant to move in many different ways. If you’re feeling stiff or tight in your back region, it may be time to do some light movement in the form of walking.
The Importance of Movement
As humans, we’re designed to move, to sit all day. The human body is a beautiful thing and it would be a pity to simply not walk if you’re able-bodied and healthy enough to do so. The importance of movement is vital, especially in today’s day and age where we are essentially tethered to a desk and screen of some sort.
Promoting Circulation Through Walking
Our body needs movement to promote circulation and healthy blood flow. If we don’t have the right levels of circulation and blood flow, we may develop muscle atrophy. This results in a vicious cycle where we feel too weak to even walk for short distances due to deteriorating muscle mass. The old phrase “if you don’t use it, you lose it” rings true here.
Recalibrating Your Neck, Back, & Spine Through Walking
Again, our bodies are made to move, and the simple act of walking for ten minutes will help recalibrate your neck, back, and spine over time and promote a greater balance within. Your body is constantly trying to heal and regulate itself. Walking helps promote inner healing and balance in more ways than one.
Strengthening Your Muscles Through Walking
Your feet, ankles, calves, hips, and core all develop strength and stamina through the simple act of walking every day. This is such a crucial area for overall health, especially as we age. Many will notice their core strength diminishes over time as they age. It does not have to be this way. If you embark on a healthy walk each day, you’ll be better off than a large percentage of Americans who haven’t taken a dedicated walk in weeks.
Improved Flexibility Within Your Whole Body
A good walk will help improve flexibility through movement and circulation. You can’t expect to be limber, agile, and flexible after sitting around on the couch or in an office chair all day, right? Walking allows your body to do what it was meant to do: move.
Maintaining a Healthy Weight
Walking for longer distances over longer periods of time is a great way to burn calories and maintain a healthier weight. You’d be amazed at how many people have found incorporating daily, hour-long walks into their routine has helped them lose and keep off some weight.
Strengthening Bones
As we maintain movement and activity, our muscles aren’t the only ones strengthening; it’s also our bones. Movement helps maintain bone strength, as when we’re sedentary, we tend to lose bone density over time. Walking stimulates the cells which build bone density over time.
Promoting Better Mental Health
There’s nothing quite like a long walk on the beach, in the forest, or even in your own quiet neighborhood. Being outside in nature, living in the present, and appreciating life can be a fantastic way to improve your mental health. Our mental health greatly influences how we physically feel on a daily basis, so if we can do one simple activity such as walking; you’re most likely going to feel better after the walk and you’ll thank yourself for choosing to do so.
Choose Neurosurgery & Spine Consultants for Help with Your Back Pain
If you’re experiencing back pain and you’ve yet to experience relief, we may be able to help. Feel free to message us using the form below and we’ll be sure to respond to your message as soon as possible. We look forward to hearing from you soon!
DISCLAIMER: No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.