Lower back pain can range in intensity from a minor annoyance to a debilitating condition. Comprised of many muscles that surround a nerve network, the back and spine are strong and resistant to minor injury. Yet, one minor movement or strain can make you feel as though moving your entire body is impossible. The back and spine are responsible for overall support of the entire body, making the job of the lower back a priority. As a result, when lower back pain occurs a plan of action must be created or treatment obtained in a timely manner. Yet, still the question that many patients have is: “Did losing weight help your lower back pain?” The answer is not as simple as it may seem.
A Correlation Between Weight and Back Pain
We definitely feel it in our feet after standing for long periods, but how does excess weight affect the lower back? Generally speaking, when we hold on to excess weight most of it typically settles around the waist area in direct connection to the lower back region. In order to offset weight gain, the spine shifts to accommodate the body resulting in a titled or stressed spine. Even if it not directly caused by excess weight or obesity, these conditions can further aggravate lower back pain.
Can Weight Reduction Relieve Lower Back Pain?
Generally speaking, yes, losing weight can help alleviate back pain in a variety of ways. Not only is pressure relieved from the spine and lower back with weight loss, but the habits that lead to weight loss can also improve a patient’s overall health. Losing weight reduces strain on the muscles and back that surround the spine leading to reduced back pain and a stronger core to support the back. In addition, when weight around the torso is reduced back strain is eliminated, due to the reduction of a pulling sensation created by excess abdominal fat tissue.
Back Pain Conditions That Are Related to Obesity
Not all lower back pain comes from strained muscles or spinal misalignment. Obesity can cause a variety of other issues that can contribute to lower back pain. Sciatica, herniated discs, pinched nerves, osteoarthritis and piriformis syndrome are also linked closely to excess weight and obesity in patients. Treatment for many of these conditions includes weight loss and a reduction in BMI. Even if surgery is an optional route that patients choose, effectiveness and recovery greatly depend on a patient’s overall health and ideal BMI maintenance.
How Can Weight Loss Aide in Lower Back Pain Reduction
The actions that are often associated with weight loss are included in treatment recommendations for reducing or eliminating back pain. Consuming foods that are anti-inflammatory is not only healthy for your body, but it also assists with weight loss and reduces inflammation that causes back pain. Inflammation is a major player in the identified list of back pain causes. Exercise can also help reduce inflammation and lower weight overall. By strengthening the muscles around the spine and in the abdominal area, the back is strengthened and able to resist the urge to tilt or stress unnaturally. Losing weight for back pain relief is not an easy task. If it were, everyone would maintain a health BMI. Yet, the benefits of relieving back pain through BMI reduction are well worth it. Eating health, exercising and having a support system can help make the process easier. Your support system doesn’t just consist of family and friends, either. While it is good to have those close to you on board with your plan, professional help is also required sometimes. Help from healthcare professionals and holistic coaches can be beneficial. Massage therapy, acupuncture and chiropractic care even while you are losing weight can help reduce lower back pain. In fact, regular chiropractic treatments can realign your spine and help reduce pain from working out while attempting to reduce excess weight. If you are tired of lower back pain, call us at 205-637-1363 today. We specialize in chiropractic care that has been proven to reduce or alleviate back pain in just a few sessions. You don’t have to live in pain. We are here to help.
