A study published in the American Journal of Public Health (2005; 95(10):1817–1824) examined the relationship between physical activity and low back pain. The study included 681 participants with low back pain and assessed levels of recreational physical activity, including participation in sports.
The researchers found that recreational physical activity was associated with a lower prevalence of back pain. Individuals who participated more frequently in sports were less likely to report low back pain. In contrast, specific back-focused exercises were less effective than general physical activity in reducing the likelihood of back pain.
An earlier article published in Spine (1995; 20(5):615–619) reviewed the role of exercise, mobility, and spinal manipulation in the management of back pain. The authors reported that bed rest or prolonged activity restriction was not an effective treatment approach. Instead, physical therapy and exercise were identified as more effective strategies for recovery and return to work.
The article cited a study in which 90% of patients with back pain responded favorably to vigorous exercise, and 92% were able to return to work following treatment. Of the six patients who did not respond to exercise-based therapy, four were later found to have spinal stenosis, suggesting an underlying structural cause for persistent symptoms.
