Every extra pound of weight includes pressure on the muscles and ligaments of the back. To make up for extra weight, the spinal column tends to end up being slanted and stressed unevenly. Excess stomach weight usually pulls the hips forward (increasing back lordosis), causing aggravated lower pain in the back.
Obesity Leads to Back Pain
Obesity is connected with an increased danger of neck and back pain. Excess weight also tends to lengthen the recovery period after episodes of neck and back pain. Persons who are obese and/or have a high percentage of body fat are:- 33% are most likely to experience low back pain.
- 35% are most likely to experience severe, extreme pain.
- As many as 43% are most likely to develop chronic low back pain.
- For males, up to 50% are most likely to experience special needs and functional limitations.
- Of women, about 100% are most likely to experience impairment and functional limitations.
In addition to BMI, it is also important to assess where the excess fat is kept on the body, such as around the waist or in the legs.
Notable Symptoms of Back Pain Connected to Excess Weight.
Individuals who are overweight or severely obese and have neck and back pain tend to display one or more of the following symptoms:- Tiredness during short periods of workout.
- Problem breathing or shortness of breath.
- Discomfort in the leg or knee is more extreme than pain in the back.
- Increase in discomfort with back extension (bending backward).
Kinds Of Back Pain Related to Obesity.
Higher body weight increases the likelihood of establishing several serious health conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease. Weight problems are likewise associated with conditions that specifically impact the spine and lower back, particularly:- Herniated discs. Obese or overweight patients are thought about more likely to experience a herniated disc, a typical reason for leg pain or sciatica due to lumbar radiculopathy. The disc is more likely to herniate as it is forced to make up for the pressure of extra weight on the back.
- Osteoarthritis. Additional body weight pressures joints in the spinal column and results in an increased threat of developing spine osteoarthritis. A BMI higher than 25 increases the threat of developing osteoarthritis.
In the event, that degenerative back conditions might require to be treated with surgery. Weight problems have been associated with a greater danger of complication or infection in people who require surgical treatment. Surgery typically remains worthwhile when medically indicated. Weight loss before going through back surgery may assist enhance the postsurgical recovery process.
Ways to Reduce Weight for Back Pain Relief.
Approaches to weight loss have been studied for their ability to eliminate pain. Active programs have fared far much better than passive suggestions, info, or lifestyle coaching. It is essential for people who have pain in the back and are obese or overweight to do something about it and change day-to-day habits for lasting results. The most recommended ways (tier 1 and tier 2 weight management services12) to slim down include:A healthy diet plan.
- Regular, moderate to high-intensity exercise.
- Counseling with a professional to attain behavioral changes.
- A low-energy liquid diet plan, which is finest followed under medical supervision.
- Prescription medications, such as orlistat (Xenical), which might lead to major liver injury.
- Leptin therapy, which are hormonal agent injections that assist avoid the body from regaining lost weight.