- Extra weight increases the stress on the spine
- Obesity can increase the risk of back pain and degeneration of the spine
- Weight control and an active lifestyle are beneficial for the spine
How does obesity increase the risk of spine problems and chronic back pain?
Dr. Siddharth Katkade, Consultant Spine Surgeon, Bombay Spine Clinic
Lifestyle News: back pain It has become a common health problem today. At the same time, obesity is also increasing. Many people know that obesity increases the risk of diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure. However, excess weight also puts a lot of stress on the spine and can cause its wear and tear. Today, many people in the age group of 30-40 are also experiencing spine problems. The reasons behind this can be increased weight, less movement and wrong lifestyle. Keeping weight under control can help maintain good spine health and reduce future problems.
How does excess weight affect the spine?
spine Supports body weight and supports movement. Weight gain puts extra stress on the bones, discs, joints and muscles of the spine. If this stress continues, it can lead to increased wear and tear on the spine and back pain problems. Common spine problems caused by obesity..Obesity and Back Pain:
Obesity can increase the risk of chronic back pain. These may include the following symptoms:
• Persistent back pain or stiffness
• Cramping on waking in the morning
• Difficulty standing for long periods of time
• Inability to walk long or long distances
• Pain in the back or waist while moving
Spinal disc degeneration – The disc in the spine works to reduce the stress on the body. Heavy weight puts more pressure on the disc and can cause it to wear out faster. This can lead to disc herniation and back pain.
Slip Disc – Sustained high stress on the spine can damage the disc and cause part of it to come out. This can put pressure on the nerves and cause sciatica, leg pain, tingling, deafness or weakness. Obesity can be a cause or risk factor for a slipped disc.
Narrowing of the spinal canal – Narrowing of the space where the nerves pass through the spine can cause back pain, pain or numbness in the legs when walking, and difficulty standing for long periods of time. If you are overweight, this problem can be felt more by increasing wear and tear on the spine.
Wear and tear of the small joints of the spine – Weight gain puts extra load on the small joints of the spine. This can lead to wear and tear, swelling and chronic back pain. However, obesity is not the only cause of spine problems. Other factors such as increasing age, heredity, lack of physical activity, type of work, smoking and physical fitness are also important.
Benefits of losing weight – Keeping weight under control can help reduce excess stress on the spine, improve mobility, and improve overall fitness. However, weight loss alone is not enough in severe spine problems. In such cases a doctor's advice and proper treatment is required.
It is beneficial to take care from all sides
Painkillers alone are not enough to treat back pain caused by obesity. Walking, regular exercise, core muscle strengthening and a proper diet can help improve spine health. Physiotherapy can also be beneficial with the advice of a doctor or physiotherapist as needed.
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Medicines and surgery
Many patients can find relief with exercise, physiotherapy and lifestyle changes. However, severe problems may require medication or surgery. Treatment is determined not by the patient's weight, but by the spine problem and its severity.
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Start prevention early
It is important to take care of the spine before the problem becomes serious. Maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, eating a healthy diet, and not ignoring the early symptoms of back pain can help reduce future problems. A small amount of consistent weight loss and regular exercise can help reduce back pain, improve mobility, and make daily activities easier. Taking care of a healthy spine is equally important along with a healthy weight.