Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is disabling and often associated with modifiable socioeconomic and lifestyle factors, such as physical activity level, the latter being a key treatment component. Evidence suggests that social support (SS) may be a crucial health determinant in encouraging exercise and improving pain management, highlighting the importance of investigating this relationship in those with CLBP.

To analyze the association between social support and physical activity level in adults with primary CLBP.

This cross-sectional study was conducted between August and December 2024 with volunteers recruited from a Primary Care Unit through active search or referred by health agents. Adults aged 18 to 60 years with primary CLBP lasting more than three months answered the following questionnaires: Sociodemographic form, Numerical Pain Scale (NPS), Medical Outcomes Study-Social Support Survey (MOS-SSS), and International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ-SF), with the aid of illustrated response cards. Data were analyzed using JAMOVI software for descriptive analysis and to assess the correlation between social support and physical activity.

We included 54 participants (77.7% female), with a mean age of 48.9 years ± 9.26. The mean pain intensity was 6.81 ± 2.25, and the mean weekly physical activity was 4,153 ± 3,476 METs, with most participants reporting moderate to high physical activity levels. The mean perceived SS score was 72.2 ± (standard deviation = 23), indicating a moderate level of social support perception. SS and physical activity levels were weakly and positively correlated (rho = 0.3; p < 0.03).

There was a positive, albeit modest, relationship between SS and physical activity levels, suggesting that SS may contribute to physical activity status. However, the magnitude of the correlation highlights the need to consider other contextual factors, such as gender, financial barriers, workload, and health perception in individuals with primary CLBP. Although relevant, SS does not appear to be the main determinant of physical activity. This study reinforces the importance of future research, specifically on the role of general social support and its interactions with contextual factors affecting physical activity levels in this population.

The study points to the relationship between SS and physical activity level in adults with CLBP, highlighting the importance of investigating social support as a facilitator in promoting a more active lifestyle in individuals with CLBP.