He backache that appears when walking and disappears when sitting It is one of the most common discomforts and, contrary to what is usually thought, It is not a problem exclusive to advanced age. A recent study published in ScienceDaily warns that this condition can affect adults of all ages and is strongly related to sedentary lifestyle habits and lack of regular physical activity.

According to the researchers, Walking more than 100 minutes a day reduces the risk of chronic low back pain by 23%compared to those who walk less than 78 minutes a day. The main recommendation is to pay attention to the total time spent walking in the week, rather than the intensity or speed, to obtain a protective effect on spinal health.

The work, which analyzed a large and diverse sample of adults, highlights that the intermittent lower back pain —that which intensifies when walking and improves when sitting—may be associated with weakness of the deep muscles of the back, joint stiffness and the accumulation of micro-injuries due to inappropriate postures. Sitting may momentarily relieve pressure on the intervertebral discs and joints, but it does not solve the root of the problem and, in fact, prolonged rest can aggravate the condition in the long term.

Specialists point out that the prevalence of back pain is increasing among young adults and people in their prime productive age, in part due to a sedentary life, long hours in front of screens and the absence of active breaks during the work day.

Lack of movement leads to spinal rigidity and weakness of the stabilizing muscles, which increases susceptibility to pain when the body is taxed during walking or exercise.

The study of ScienceDaily emphasizes that low back pain should not be considered a normal symptom of aging, but rather an alert to review daily habits. Muscle strengthening, joint mobility and the adoption of a minimum weekly walking routine are effective strategies to reduce the risk of chronication. Experts also recommend maintaining correct posture when walking and avoiding prolonged periods of immobility, whether standing or sitting.

To prevent the appearance of back pain that is activated during walking, specialists advise incorporating at least 100 minutes of walking per week, distributed in daily or alternating sessions, and accompany this routine with stretching and strengthening exercisesespecially in the abdominal and lumbar area.

They also suggest alternating postures during the day, taking active breaks at work and consulting a health professional if symptoms persist to rule out more serious pathologies.

The key, according to the researchers, is keep the body moving, prioritizing consistency and variety of exercises over intensity. Back pain is not just an inevitable consequence of the passage of time; It is, in many cases, a reflection of daily habits and can be prevented with simple and sustained actions.