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.Stop lower back pain by losing weight
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If you are overweight, have you considered how your excess weight may contribute to lower back pain?
Though it has not been confirmed how excess weight plays a role in the exact cause of back pain, it has been observed that individuals who are overweight are likely to develop joint pain, muscle strain, and back pain when compared with their slimmer counterparts.
This article highlights potential weight gain hazards and their implications for developing back pain. We also cover ‘step-by-step’ instructions on how you can make better use of diet, weight loss plans and exercise to tackle your back pain challenge.
Common weight gain problems
Common problems associated with weight gain include:
- Fatigue
- Lower back pain
- Joint pain
- Muscle weakness
- Inability to breathe when participating in strenuous activities
- Body image and self-esteem issues
- Postural distortions
An important point to note is that if physical tasks makes you tired/fatigued or contribute to breathing complications, you might avoid participating in exercise altogether. This creates a foundation for the development of different types of back pain in your body.
How obesity leads to back pain
According to the findings of the American Obesity Association, the occurrence of back pain and musculo-skeletal pain are common features amongst about one-third of the obese individuals who are American citizens.
The Association also confirmed the severity of back pain and its link to obesity as more people who are overweight complained that they lack the strength to perform their daily duties.
Weight gain and your spine
Musculoskeletal and joint-related pain are examples of common obesity-related health issues. It is crucial for overweight individuals to start a comprehensive weight loss plan as each added pound is known to bring discomfort to the ligaments and muscles located in the back.
In this case, the spine will feel the impact of excess weight and may shift from it’s neutral alignment into an altered state. As time goes on, your back muscles may weaken, excess stress and pressure is placed on your lower back and you may start to experience back pain throughout the day.
The severe pain often witnessed in the lower back region has a connection with obesity. Individuals who have additional weight in their stomachs can testify as the excess weight pulls the pelvis forward thereby paving the way for lower back pain.
Conditions related to obesity
It is likely that overweight or obese patients may also experience sciatica (nerve pain) from excess weight.
Sciatica can be caused by excess weight or pressure being place on the spinal vertebrae.
There could also be the presence of piriformis syndrome and pinched nerves when additional weight finds its way into the spaces between the bones located in the lower back region.
It is also interesting to know that a patient’s weight plays a major role in the efficiency of back surgery. Overweight patients are more liable to face health complications and contract infections after the completion of their surgery than other patients who are not obese.
It is an excellent idea for those who are obese to shed some weight before going for back surgery as it has the power to hasten the recuperation process after surgery.
Identifying the need for weight loss
Medical doctors often utilize Body Mass Index (BMI) as a tool. The value of your BMI metric may determine if you are carrying too much weight.
Though there has been some discussion about the exact meaning of BMI measurements, a BMI value of 30 is seen as obese. A value of 25 to 29.9 is tagged as overweight.
It is imperative to know the location of the excess fat in and around your body. For example, individuals who have more weight around their midsection region are exposed to health disorders related to obesity like lower back pain.
Weight loss plans
The following approaches to weight loss seem to work for many people:
- The cabbage soup diet
- The 5-2 fasting diet
- The low carb high protein diet
Conclusion
While there is no single answer to tackling weight issues, we do know that increased weight leads to increased changes of health issues such as lower back pain. The extra load your body has to carry results in poor posture, excess stress and pressure, and joint pain.
Being overweight often prevents you from enjoying your favorite activities and from living an active lifestyle. It is advisable to talk with your local G.P. on strategies to help reduce excess weight. For back pain, consider the recommendations of a chiropractor such as The Back Clinic Bexley.
