Low back pain is extremely common, affecting about three-quarters of Americans some time in their lives. A study published in the journal Spine (August 2017) examined the role of muscle-strengthening exercises in reducing risk for low back pain. The researchers analyzed data on 12,721 people participating in the large National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). They were divided into three categories: no engagement in muscle-strengthening activity (MSA), MSA one day a week, and MSA two or more days a week. The researchers found that both men and women who engaged in activities designed to strengthen muscles, such as lifting weights, push-ups or sit-ups, at least two days a week were significantly less likely to report low back pain. Current smokers were more likely to have low back pain. For men, but not women, smoking reduced the benefits of exercise
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