Obesity can cause back pain
Saturday, August 19, 2006
Dr. Jennifer F. Royer
Cayman Islands Chiropractic
Association
The best way to achieve and maintain a healthy weight is through a balanced diet and exercise. Many people are not aware that being overweight can contribute to lower back pain. Overweight people are at a greater risk for back pain, joint pain and muscle strain than those who are at a healthy weight.
They are also at a greater risk for other major health issues. This is especially true with people that have extra weight around their midsection.
Lower back pain occurs in people with extra weight in their midsection because the excess weight pulls the pelvis forward and strains the lower back. According to the American Obesity Association, episodes of musculoskeletal pain, and specifically back pain, are prevalent among nearly one-third of Americans who are classified as obese. Attention to overall weight is important as every pound adds strain to the muscles, ligaments and vertebrae of the back.
Overweight people may experience sciatica and back pain due to a disc injury. Between each vertebra in the spine is a disc. This disc is like a jelly donut: the inside is jelly and there are outer fibers that are tougher to keep the jelly inside.
The job of the disc is providing shock absorption to the spine and to maintain a healthy opening for the spinal nerves to exit the spinal canal.
One of the reasons discs and spinal structures are damaged is from having to compensate for the pressure of extra weight on the back. This results in lower back pain, pinched nerves and sciatica.
Many people with back problems believe that they should avoid exercise to protect their back from further injury.
In reality, it is the lack of exercise and inactivity that can contribute to further pain and injury. Exercise stimulates healing and the flow of nutrients and oxygen to the body. Activity causes the disc to take in and expel water, which exchanges important nutrients between the discs and other spinal structures.
When enough physical activity is not performed, the discs are deprived of the nutrients that they need to stay healthy and functional.
A health professional should always be consulted before beginning an exercise routine to explain the specifics of a healthy diet, exercise and nutritional supplements. Managing your weight not only reduces back pain, but can also help prevent certain types of back problems in the future.
Obesity and Back Pain