Being overweight or obese is a serious condition that affects adults and children. Obesity contributes to several health issues including high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease. However, did you know the obesity is contributing factor to back pain? Suffering from back pain can affect your everyday life, even causing additional health problems. Many patients we see suffer from bulging disks and muscle strain. With every extra pound over the body mass index, muscles and ligaments in the back will become more and more strained.
How Can Obesity Affect the Spine?
The spine is intended to carry and distribute the body’s weight. With extra weight, the spine begins to tilt and curve, which may lead to structural impairment and injury. The lower back, or lumbar spine, is the most vulnerable to the effects of obesity. A larger stomach may pull your pelvis forward, which in turn strains the lower back. In addition, herniated discs tend to occur due to the excess pressure being placed on the back. Many overweight individuals also experience pinched nerves in addition to herniated disks and back pain.
Manage Obesity and Back Pain
The number one priority in dealing with obesity and back pain is losing weight. A healthy BMI, body mass index, will range anywhere from 18.5 to 24.9. A BMI of 30 or over is considered obese. In order to lower your BMI and weight to prevent spinal damage, it’s essential to exercise regularly. Starting a diet and exercise program can be a daunting task. Speak to your doctor to develop a healthy exercise and weight loss routine that will best suit your needs. Start your new routine by creating a timeline and writing down your goals. Your doctor will be able to set a goal weight based on your age and height. By reaching your target weight, you’ll be able to reduce your back pain. Furthermore, make sure you receive adequate sleep on a semi-firm mattress.
Stretching and Exercises for Obesity and Back Pain
We recommend discussing the proper stretching routine with our Ogden chiropractors to help you find lasting relief. There are several tasks you can do at home to help prevent and ease back pain. Always use proper posture and remain consistently active while maintaining a healthy diet and weight. When exercising, practice proper lifting and cardio techniques. Obese individuals should avoid high-impact exercises in order to prevent spine and joint injuries. Warm-ups are an important part of an exercise routine. Engaging in regular warm-ups can help get your heart moving while loosening your muscles, joints, bones, and tendons. In addition to these at-home tips, routine chiropractic adjustment and maintenance can prevent serious back injury.
Obesity comes with its fair share of problems. Our doctors at Ogden Chiropractic can help you relieve current back pain and maintain your spine health. Your healthy is our top priority. Call today to learn more about our chiropractic treatment solutions.
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