Exercise and chronic low back pain

A study that analysed 110 research papers spanning over 3 decades in a range of different countries including Australia, the United States, China, Europe and Brazil aimed to better understand why exercise is so effective in the treatment of chronic low back pain (CLBP).

The study, published in Musculoskeletal Science and Practice, a collaboration between researchers from the University of New South Wales Medicine and Neuroscience Research Australia, found that there are many different reasons why exercise is so beneficial for CLBP. These included improvements in fitness like aerobic fitness and core stability along with improvements in mood and confidence. The researchers note that as chronic pain is a complex condition it is often the combination of factors which include both biological (ie tissue damage) and psychosocial (ie confidence) aspects that make a difference.

Whilst the review did not conclude which type of exercise was the most effective for CLBP it did recommend that people engage in meaningful activities as exercise was consistently found to be one of the most effective treatments for people with chronic pain not just chronic low back pain.

NOTE: For anyone living with chronic pain wishing to engage in physical activity it is important to begin slowly and build up gradually over time. Walking is a wonderful way to begin and has huge benefits for both physical and mental health. Find your nearest greenspace and listen out for the beautiful sounds of nature including birdsong whilst practicing the art of forest bathing (breathing in phytoncides, the natural essential oils given off by trees that are beneficial to human health).