There is one thing chronic back pain sufferers are almost always asked to do, which is to lose weight. According to the American Obesity Association, back pain is a common problem among obese Americans. An estimated 36 percent of Americans are classified as obese. In a study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology, it was concluded that the risk for low back pain increases with a high body mass index (BMI), with obese people at greatest risk overall.
Am I Obese?
Obesity is defined as having a BMI of 30 and higher. It is not just being overweight, obesity is a disease that has biological, environmental, and social factors. Getting down to a healthy weight requires an individualized program and routine guidance from a doctor.
How exactly can losing weight improve back pain symptoms?
Why Being Obese Causes Lower Back Pain
Every pound you gain puts a strain on your musculoskeletal system, which consists of your bones, joints, cartilage, ligaments, tendons, and muscles. Excess weight especially affects the pelvis, back, and knees. Some medical experts argue that as a person becomes heavier, the pelvis is pulled forward, and the lower back becomes strained. A strained lower back will produce symptoms such as pain, soreness, and tightness.
Furthermore, added weight in the midsection can cause the spine to tilt and become uneven. When the spine is not in a neutral position, more problems usually follow. The back muscles overcompensate, which contributes to the development of lower back pain.
Aside from obesity being a cause of low back pain, it can also contribute to the worsening of existing musculoskeletal conditions. For people with herniated discs or osteoarthritis, excess weight can exacerbate and accelerate the progression of both conditions. Adipose tissue causes chronic inflammation, which can cause degeneration of soft tissues.
Obesity not only affects musculoskeletal health, but also the success of treatment. People who are obese and undergo surgery to treat a spine condition have worse surgical outcomes and a higher rate of complications.
Physical Therapy For Obesity and Lower Back Pain
Being obese is a risk and an exacerbating factor for many medical conditions. Fortunately, a physical therapist can design a physical therapy program that includes exercises to help with the following:
- Build strength and cardiovascular fitness
- Reduce lower back pain
- Improve posture, movement, and flexibility
- Boost metabolism, burn more calories and lose weight
- Increase function, flexibility, and mobility
Besides exercises, physical therapists use various modalities to reduce lower back pain. For example, dry needling, which involves the use of fine needles, helps alleviate pain in the body by increasing blood flow, loosening tight muscles, and accelerating the body’s healing process.
Physical Therapist in Austin, TX
If you are suffering from lower back pain, our highly skilled physical therapists at Endeavor Physical Therapy can help. Our specialized knowledge and training enable us to recognize the factors influencing your lower back pain and design an exercise and pain management program that will gradually change how your body looks and feels.
To schedule a consultation with one of our physical therapists, call (512) 284-7192 or use our online request form. Endeavor Physical Therapy has convenient locations serving Austin, Round Rock, Manor, Pflugerville, Cedar Park, Bee Cave, and Hutto.
