Chronic lower back pain is a condition that affects many people for years—even decades—and often leads to feelings of isolation, stress, and exhaustion.
But a new study suggests that simply spending time in nature can bring relief, offering both physical and emotional benefits.
This research, published in The Journal of Pain, is the first to ask people living with long-term back pain how nature fits into their daily coping strategies.
Conducted by researchers from the University of Plymouth and the University of Exeter in the UK, the study involved in-depth interviews with ten people who had suffered from chronic back pain for between five and 38 years. Their answers offered new insights into how being in or around nature affects their lives.
The results were eye-opening. Participants said being outdoors helped them escape their everyday routines and the constant awareness of pain. Nature became a form of distraction—something beautiful to focus on instead of discomfort. It also helped them feel more connected to others.
Some people said they would normally spend a lot of time indoors due to their pain, but going outside gave them a chance to interact socially. Many also appreciated being able to exercise outdoors, such as walking in a park or along a beach, which they found more enjoyable than being in a gym.
Natural sights and sounds played a big role too. The fresh air, the sound of water, and the visual calmness of natural places brought peace of mind. Participants said this helped reduce their anxiety and stress, which are often made worse by ongoing pain. Being in nature, they said, gave them moments of peace that helped them cope.
But the study also pointed out a challenge: not all natural spaces are easy for people with chronic pain to access. Some locations have uneven ground or lack benches, making it hard for people with physical limitations to enjoy the space fully.
Because of this, the researchers recommend that urban planners and local governments consider making nature more accessible—for example, by creating smooth walking paths and adding more places to sit and rest.
To help people who can’t easily leave their homes, the team is also exploring virtual reality (VR) options. They are developing and testing immersive VR experiences that simulate being in nature. This could help bring the calming and healing effects of the outdoors to people even when they can’t physically access it.
Alexander Smith, a PhD researcher from the University of Plymouth and the study’s lead author, explained that while chronic back pain can be overwhelming, nature may offer an overlooked form of relief.
He emphasized that simple changes, like improved paths and better seating, along with virtual technology, could make nature’s benefits available to more people.
Dr. Sam Hughes, Senior Lecturer in Pain Neuroscience at the University of Exeter, added that people with chronic pain often face major physical barriers when trying to enjoy outdoor spaces.
He believes that using tools like VR to simulate nature can help include more people in these healing experiences—helping to make pain management more equal and accessible for everyone.
This research encourages doctors, patients, and communities to think differently about pain treatment. Instead of focusing only on medication or surgery, it highlights the potential of nature as a low-cost, meaningful way to improve quality of life.
For people living with chronic back pain, just a walk in the park—or even a virtual one—might be a step toward feeling better.
If you care about pain, please read studies about Scientists find a new way to manage knee pain and findings of Promising new drug offers hope for chronic nerve pain relief.
For more about pain, please read studies about Chronic morphine use for cancer pain may increase bone loss and findings of Scientists find a new hope for chronic pain.
The study is published in The Journal of Pain.
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