Dr. Stefano Sinicropi, M.D.

We always tell patients to use proper techniques when lifting, bending, twisting or performing any motion that puts increased stress on their spine, but new research found that for the most post, these motions don’t increase our risk of long-term low back pain.

The study adds more evidence to the idea that normal physical activities and controlled motions are actually helpful for the long-term health of your spine. These movements can strengthen spinal structures, ensure they maintain normal range of motion and serve to protect functional capabilities, and there’s little evidence that they’ll lead to catastrophic back pain down the road. For the study, researchers followed more than 400 patients who had recent appointments at a Veterans Affairs health clinic for their back pain. Over the course of a full year, the group completed nearly ten thousand daily surveys to track information about their activity levels and symptoms. 10 specific daily activities were tracked:

• Bending
• Lifting
• Twisting
• Pushing or Pulling
• Squatting
• Sitting
• Standing
• Walking
• Climbing
• Crawling

After looking at the data, researchers came to the conclusion that when these participants had greater engagement with the above activities, they had a higher likelihood of a temporary discomfort flare within the next 24 hours. Each additional hour spent bending, twisting, pushing or pulling increased the likelihood of a flare by 6%, while lifting or squatting increased it 5%, but researchers found no evidence that any of these movements led to worse back-related function one year later.

“These findings suggest that people with low back pain who engage in more of these activities do not have better or worse long-term outcomes,” researchers wrote.

The findings are encouraging but also not all that surprising for any spine specialist who has helped patients overcome a wide range of back issues. We’re constantly recommending movement and active treatment modalities because this motion can help make our spine stronger and more functional, even if it can lead to some temporary discomfort the next day. It’s similar to working out or lifting weights. You may feel sore the next day, but it’s all part of the process of making progress. We wouldn’t be recommending these active interventions if they increased your risk of long-term back problems, but you may develop these issues if you’re overly protective of your spine and live a sedentary lifestyle because of fear of the modest discomfort that comes with physical activity. Get up, get moving, and your spine will be healthier because of it.

If you’re hoping to overcome a back issue that you’re facing, connect with Dr. Sinicropi and the team at Midwest Spine & Brain Institute. We’re confident that we can figure out what’s causing your discomfort and set you up with a personalized care plan that helps you achieve the results you seek. For more information, or for help with a specific spinal concern, reach out to our office today at (651) 430-3800.

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