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Chances are you -- or someone you know -- is contending with back pain. Nearly 65 million Americans say they've had a recent bout of "bad-back-itis," and around 16 million adults contend with life-altering, chronic back pain.

But what if you could walk away from the achy, stiff, lousy feeling that back pain can cause? Well, you can. According to a new study in JAMA Network Open, folks who walk 100 minutes a day, even at low intensity, have a 23% reduced risk of lower back problems than those who walk 78 minutes or less. It's the time spent walking, not the speed, that confers the benefit.

So, if your sore back makes you walk slowly, that's OK. Take your time and enjoy strolling in a park or around the block. You'll help prevent an acute back problem from becoming chronic and ease a chronic sore back one step at a time.

Know what else can help? Acupuncture and Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy (PEMF). According to a study funded by the National Institutes of Health, older Americans with chronic low back pain who had acupuncture saw superior improvement in physical function and greater pain reduction than folks receiving usual medical care, generally prescribed medications or physical therapy. And PEMF, which uses electromagnetic fields to reduce inflammation and promote healing, is a good alternative to pain medications.

For more ways to reduce aches and pains and achieve a younger ActualAge, sign up for the free newsletter at 4YOUngevity.com and explore a mind-body approach to restoring your well-being, as explained in "The Great Age Reboot."

Health pioneer Michael Roizen, M.D., is chief wellness officer emeritus at the Cleveland Clinic and author of four No. 1 New York Times bestsellers. Check out his latest, "The Great Age Reboot: Cracking the Longevity Code for a Younger Tomorrow," and find out more at www.4YOUngevity.com. Email your health and wellness questions to Dr. Mike at questions@4YOUngevity.com.

(c)2023 Michael Roizen, M.D.

Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.

(c) 2025 Michael Roizen, M.D. Distributed by King Features Syndicate, Inc.