Obesity is a leading cause of back pain. Reducing your weight by only 10% can make a big difference in less back pain. Extra abdominal fat and weight on the pelvis pulls the body forward and puts strain on your lower back muscles. Although obesity may not be the cause of the pain, it takes the pain to a whole new level. It throws off your posture, makes it difficult to properly align your body for a good sleep; it requires your back muscles to pick up the slack and learn to handle how you carry and shift your weight.
The Risks Associated with Obesity and Back Pain
Being overweight, and especially carrying extra fat around the middle, poses a lot of health risks. The thing about obesity is that it effects all areas of your life. It doesn't just effect your heart. It can worsen symptoms of depression, raise your blood pressure, put added stress on your muscles and joints and it effects your general quality of life.
The following is a list of problems that can occur which are associated wth obesity and back pain:
- Degenerative disc disease
- Spinal stenosis
- Osteoporosis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Hernia
- Ruptured disc
- Heavy burden on the spine
- Unhealthy posture
Experiencing Back Pain?
If you carry extra weight around your waist and abs, you're putting an extra strain on your lower back. There is hope though. There are some simple things you can do to reduce back pain that is aggravated by obesity.
- Actively work on losing weight. Aim for a 10% weight loss to start, then reevaluate.
- Stretch your back daily. You don't have to be a Yoga master to perform light stretching moves to ease the tension from your back.
- Use proper posture, holding your shoulders back and your back straight.
- Strengthen your back muscles and abs. Add resistance training to your weekly workout routine. The stronger abs and back you have, the better time you have coping with the pain caused by obesity.
- Be consistent with daily exericse. Losing even a little bit of weight can take some of the pressure off of your lower back.
- Commit to eating healthier and creating a lifestyle to support your new healthier habits.
Back pain can be excruciating and debilitating. See your doctor if symptoms persist or worsen. You may have a slipped disc or another health problem causing your back pain that weight loss alone won't solve. Losing weight can help ease the pain you feel in your lower back, but it is not a cure for degenerative diseases.
 |
 |
