Back pain is one of the most common reasons people visit their physicians or miss work, according to Mayoclinic.com. While this problem can strike anyone, chronic back pain is particularly prevalent among the overweight and obese, adding to the difficulties they typically face when it comes to mobility and completing day to day tasks. Losing weight can help reduce back pain, but you should not begin an exercise routine until you get clearance from your doctor. You should also consult your physician before making any significant changes to your diet.
Excess Weight and Back Pain
The more weight you carry, the more pressure you exert on the spine and the surrounding muscles, tissues and ligaments. Excess abdominal fat in particular appears to increase the risk of low back pain says Dr. Donald J. Frisco, writing for Spine Health. Large amounts of fat in the midsection move the pelvis forward, increasing strain in the lower part of the back. Whether you suffer from general back pain or specific problems like a herniated disk or arthritis of the spine, excess weight will worsen all of these problems.
Improved Mobility and Exercise Ability
Beside the obvious reduction in weight contributing to your back pain, losing weight also improves your mobility and allows you to exercise more. Lack of exercise and regular movement contributes to back pain by weakening the muscles in the back and abdomen and reducing flexibility. As you slim down, you will be in a better position to perform the regular physical activity that contributes to a stronger back, less prone to pain and injury.
Exercise and Improved Blood Flow
The exercise necessary to promote weight loss will offer an additional benefit for your back pain by improving the circulation of blood throughout the body. Your blood carries the nutrients necessary for supporting various processes and maintaining tissue health, including those necessary to promote the health of the joints, tissues, discs, ligaments and muscles of the back. Again, consult a doctor before adopting a new exercise regimen.
Considerations
To prevent a worsening of your back pain, you should slowly ease into a regular exercise program. If you find it difficult to work out for 30 continuous minutes, working out in intervals of at least 10 minutes will offer similar benefits. Start off with low-impact activities like walking. Water exercises can reduce the stress on your back and the rest of your body and you might consider this form of exercise, particularly when you first begin exercising regularly. While losing weight can make a significant contribution to combating back pain, you might require other measures depending on the nature of your back pain and other individual factors.
Member Comments