SITTING IMPLICATED IN EXACERBATION OF BACK PAIN

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SITTING IMPLICATED IN EXACERBATION OF BACK PAIN

    

A new study from the University of Turku in Finland showed that reducing daily sitting prevented back pain from worsening over six months. The result strengthens the current understanding of the link between activity and back pain and the mechanisms related to back pain.

Intuitively, it is easy to think that reducing sitting would help with back pain, but previous research data is surprising.

The study from the Turku PET Centre and UKK Institute in Finland investigated whether reducing daily sitting could prevent or relieve back pain among overweight or obese adults who spend the majority of their days sitting.

During the six-month study, the participants, on average, reduced their sitting by 40 minutes/day.

"Our participants were normal middle-aged adults who sat a great deal, exercised little, and gained some extra weight. These factors increase cardiovascular disease and back pain risk," says Doctoral Researcher and Physiotherapist Jooa Norha from the University of Turku in Finland.

Previous results from the same and other research groups have suggested that sitting may harm back health, but the data has been preliminary.

Robust methods for studying the mechanisms behind back pain

The researchers also examined potential mechanisms behind the prevention of back pain.

"However, we did not observe that the changes in back pain were related to changes in the fattiness or glucose metabolism of the back muscles," Norha says.

Individuals with back pain have excessive fat deposits within the back muscles, and impaired glucose metabolism or insulin sensitivity can predispose them to pain.

Nevertheless, back pain can be prevented or relieved even if muscle composition or metabolism does not improve.

The researchers measured the back muscles using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and PET imaging, which is based on a radioactive tracer.

"If you have a tendency for back pain or excessive sitting and are concerned for your back health, you can try to figure out ways to reduce sitting at work or during leisure time. However, it is important to note that physical activity, such as walking or more brisk exercise, is better than simply standing up," Norha points out.

The researchers wish to remind us that switching between postures is more important than seeking the perfect posture.

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