Last Updated on June 20, 2022 by Nurse Vicky
Can Weight Loss Cause Back Pain? 5 Things Need To KNOW
Many Americans are overweight or obese, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that one-third of the adult population in the US is overweight or obese.
The extra weight puts strain on the back, causing it to ache and a variety of other problems.
You can control your weight to prevent or reduce back pain. Here are a few tips to keep you in shape:
Obesity increases the risk of developing back pain, and it is also associated with other forms of health problems, including joint and muscle aches.
Overweight people have a higher risk of developing various back problems because their excess weight puts a great deal of stress on their spines.
The spine may become deformed and tilted as the weight is transferred improperly. This can lead to long-term back problems and chronic pain.
Research from Cornell University has shown that being overweight can lead to many back pain problems.
The study reviewed the medical history of 1,152 men and found that body mass index and body fat percentage were directly related to back problems.
But some researchers disagree with this conclusion. One study conducted by Cornell University found that obesity was associated with four common
types of back and spine disorders. Obesity also increases the risk of traumatic back injury and slipped discs.
Back pain is a common complaint after a weight loss program, and exercise can help alleviate this condition.
Although exercising can be helpful for back pain, some conditions make it necessary to modify a program to avoid injury.
Consult a physician or physical therapist to create a plan that is safe and effective for you.
Strength and flexibility exercises develop a balance between pelvic and trunk muscles.
Such balanced strength helps protect the back by facilitating an even load across the joints and taking pressure off the spine.
Regular exercise is essential for people with low back pain.
The reason is that weakened abdominal muscles put excessive stress on the spine.
As a result, overweight people tend to experience back problems more often than those who do not have this problem.
Exercise can also reduce inflammation, which may make the symptoms of back pain less severe. In addition, it can increase flexibility and strength in the back
. Consequently, exercise is important for people who are overweight or obese.
Compression fractures of the spin
The most common place for compression fractures to occur is in the front part of the vertebra.
A fracture in this part of the vertebra may collapse if there are enough of them.
The back portion of a vertebra is made up of harder bone, and when it becomes collapsed, it forms a wedge shape
pe. It causes a hunched back posture, and can even lead to other problems like dowager’s hump and kyphosis. If you are suffering from spinal fractures, it’s a good idea to consult a medical professional as soon as possible.
A CAT scan can show bone density and soft tissue. It can also identify spinal cord compression and possible tumors.
MRIs can also show the condition of the spinal cord and help your doctor determine the appropriate treatment.
If your spine fracture has a significant complication, your doctor may suggest a bone density test to determine your bone density and assess your risk of developing osteoporosis.
This test is one of the most accurate ways to determine if you are a candidate for osteoporosis.
Moreover, it can also help determine the severity of your osteoporosis and the best treatment options.
Herniated discs
Herniated discs are common conditions that are often the result of weight loss, particularly among women. While a herniated disc is an unpleasant ailment, treatment options can be relatively simple.
In most cases, treatment can be done with simple medication, self-care exercises, and physical therapy. Painkillers, such as acetaminophen, can be used to reduce pain.
In addition, strengthening your back muscles can help alleviate pain and limit further damage to the disc.
The procedure involves making a small incision, usually around two inches in length, above the herniated disc. The muscles are then moved apart to expose the vertebra.
The surgeon then uses a microscope to complete the operation.
The rest of the operation is similar to that performed by traditional surgery.
Despite the potential risks, most people feel better within a few weeks.
But if you have an acute herniated disc, treatment options may require additional surgery.
Degenerative discs
The extra weight placed on the spine can lead to degenerative discs in the lower lumbar region.
Degenerative discs become more common in obese adults compared to overweight or thin individuals.
One study published in the Journal of Arthritis and Rheumatism found that obesity was associated with more severe degeneration of the spinal discs than being overweight or thin.
The study also found that a person’s BMI did not appear to have an impact on the degeneration of discs in the cervical spine.
Although the most common treatment for back pain and degenerative discs is surgery, not everyone requires such drastic intervention.
If the pain is severe enough, more conservative treatment is available.
A physical therapist can teach you how to exercise without bending your back.
If these methods do not work, you can consider other treatments such as medication, hydrotherapy, chiropractic, and physical therapy.
Moreover, you should remember that maintaining the proper posture is the most important way to prevent pain. Proper spinal alignment can help relieve pressure on the nerves and reduce back stress.
