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Health facts: How gardening could ease backache

Gardening is being trialled in France as a potential way to combat back pain
Gardening is being trialled in France as a potential way to combat back pain Gardening is being trialled in France as a potential way to combat back pain

GARDENING Is being tested as a treatment for back pain. A trial in Paris is based on the idea that interacting with nature affects the anterior cingulate cortex, the part of the brain that detects pain, reducing the activity of nerve cells, including those involved in lower back pain.

This effect has been seen in previous research where patients walked in green spaces – but the movements involved in gardening also improve spinal flexibility.

In the new trial, 16 people with back pain will participate in two 90-minute gardening sessions. Their brain activity and quality of life will then be assessed. Results are expected later this year.

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