Apples for Health- Only exercise helps lower-back problems

Only exercise helps lower-back problems

SEATTLE, Feb. 23 (UPI) -- A systematic review of studies found exercise in workplace and community settings is effective in preventing low-back problems, U.S. researchers said.

"Strong and consistent evidence finds many popular prevention methods to fail while exercise has a significant impact, both in terms of preventing symptoms and reducing back pain-related work loss," Dr. Stanley J. Bigos, a University of Washington professor emeritus of orthopaedic surgery and environmental health, said in a statement.

"Passive interventions such as lumbar belts and shoe inserts do not appear to work and eight trials found ergonomic interventions, of either reducing lifting, or back or ergonomic training sessions to be ineffective in preventing back problems."

Bigos and colleagues assessed methodological quality and potential for bias of clinical trials in preventing episodes of back problems.

The review, published in The Spine Journal, found 20 controlled trials to be high-quality and seven of the eight high-quality trials promoting various exercise programs were found effective, but other common and popular methods failed including: reduced lifting programs, back or ergonomic educational interventions, lumbar supports, shoe inserts and stress management.

However, review co-author Dr. John Holland said the review does not discredit popular ergonomic innovations, which may increase productivity, product quality and work comfort and there are many reasons why such research should continue.