If you are suffering from chronic back pain, a walk in the woods can help you better manage the condition, according to a study on Tuesday.

According to a study that was published in The Journal of Pain, spending time in or around nature can assist persons with persistent lower back pain manage their physical agony by allowing them to escape.

Ten individuals with chronic lower back pain—some for nearly 40 years—were asked in a first-of-its-kind experiment by researchers from the University of Plymouth in the United Kingdom about the part nature plays in any coping mechanisms they use to manage their disease.

In contrast to those who might otherwise spend much of their time indoors and alone, they discovered that those who were able to spend time outdoors reported that it allowed them to socialize with others.

They also preferred it to gyms or similar settings because it gave them a sense of escape from their everyday lives and a degree of distraction from their discomfort. They also relished the chance to work out in a pleasant environment.

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According to the respondents, natural elements like fresh air and the sound and sight of water also contributed to their sense of calm, which helped them cope with the tensions and worries brought on by their pain levels.

Like many other physical discomforts, lower back pain can be taxing, unpleasant, and isolating. However, nature has been proposed as a viable alternative in the context of a drive for innovative and more comprehensive treatments for chronic pain, according to main author Alexander Smith, a researcher in the University’s School of Psychology.

Smith continued, “Our research demonstrated that individuals who were able to spend time in nature recognized the advantages of doing so, both mentally and physically.”

In light of their findings, the researchers advised those who suffer from persistent lower back pain—as well as the medical professionals who treat them—to think more deeply about the benefits of nature for their health and well-being.

“Technological advancements like virtual reality and small adjustments like improved pathways and seating could help ensure that everyone can enjoy those advantages. However, we believe that our results pave the way for more research into how that could be accomplished,” Smith stated.