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Weight Gain and Back Pain

Posted on February 12, 2014 by Chiropractor

While being overweight has been shown to be correlated with a greater incidence of heart attack, stroke, and diabetes, it has also been found to be one of the biggest contributing factors for the development of back pain. Since our bodies frame is designed to only carry a certain amount of weight, excess weight puts an immense strain not only on our spine, but also on other joints throughout our body.

This excess strain has been shown to increase the rate of degeneration of the vertebrae in our back, leading to the early development of back pain. In addition to the degenerative effects of being overweight, those extra pounds have been shown to increase the odds of developing osteoarthritis, a herniated disc, and sciatica. Abdominal fat can pull your pelvis forward, which in turn will increase the curve in your low back (lordosis). The increased lordosis will can tighten up your back muscles and cause strain or pain.

Many patients with back problems believe that they should avoid exercise in an effort to protect their back from further injury or back pain. Sometimes back pain can even be the cause of weight gain due to lack of exercise!

In reality, inactivity and lack of exercise can actually contribute to future pain and worsen existing problems. Patients are often unaware that movement through gentle exercise stimulates healing and a flow of nutrients within the spine. When the patient does not engage in enough physical activity, the spinal discs are deprived of the nutrients they need to stay healthy and functional.

A doctor of chiropractic can help those suffering from back pain by treating the back itself as well providing information on exercises designed to help lose weight and develop strong muscles. A chiropractor can also provide instruction in good nutrition, posture, and sleeping habits, all of which can affect your weight.

Chiropractors specialize in maximizing nervous system and musculoskeletal performance, injury prevention, and self-healing of the body if and when injuries occur. While chiropractors are not often associated with weight loss, they provide an invaluable service to over weight individuals who suffer from chronic back pain and would like to lose weight and gain health.

belfast, chiropractor, back pain, neck pain, overweight, sciatica

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