Being obese is associated with numerous health problems, as you’re probably already aware. However, this health condition can contribute to back pain as well. That’s why part of our treatment plan at Premier Chiropractic Center, serving Bessemer, AL, and the neighboring communities, for anyone overweight may include diet and lifestyle recommendations to better manage weight.
Have a Greater Risk for Arthritis and Degenerative Disc Disease
You put more pressure on your joints when you’re obese, which can accelerate or cause wear and tear on your joints. As a result, your risk of arthritis is greater when you’re overweight.
The excess weight also increases your likelihood of degenerative disc disease and causes it to worsen more quickly than if you were at a healthy weight.
Increases Chances of Sciatica
When you’re obese or overweight, you’re at a greater risk for sciatica. For one, if you live a sedentary lifestyle, you’re placing pressure on your lower back. And if you’re overweight, you’re putting more pressure on it. This can then result in the compression of your sciatic nerve.
You’re more prone to herniated discs when you’re overweight. This is because you’re placing excess weight on the discs, making them more vulnerable to a tear. When the contents of a torn disc leaks, it can place pressure on the surrounding nerves and soft tissue. The domino effect mentioned will then cause sciatica symptoms, including pain.
Are More at Risk for Pinched Nerves
Bone spurs are bony protrusions located along a bone’s edges. They tend to form at a joint, such as the ones in your spine. Although you may have no symptoms of bone spurs, they can place pressure on a nerve, causing you pain, numbness, and other nerve-related symptoms.
A bone spur is another contributing factor to sciatica, and bone spurs are more common in those who have arthritis. And someone who is obese is more at risk for arthritis. Therefore, someone who is obese has a greater chance of developing bone spurs.
Exasperates Current Sciatica and Bain Pain
Perhaps you already had sciatica or other back troubles from your job or having poor posture. When you’re obese or weigh more than your recommended body mass index (BMI), you’re placing more pressure on an already sensitive area, further worsening your back pain and other symptoms.
Are More Prone to Having Poor Posture
Having excess weight shifts your center of gravity. Although it won’t cause you to fall over, it will increase pressure on your spine and back muscles, leading to pain.
When you sit with poor posture for prolonged periods, you’re stressing the lumbar region of your back, which can contribute to pain.
Have a Greater Risk for Complications After Back Surgery
Research suggests that 20 to 40 percent of back surgeries are unsuccessful, as noted by the American Society of Anaesthesiologists. Your risk of a failed surgery is higher on that scale when you have a greater-than-normal BMI.
Not to mention, your chances of complications from the procedure are greater when you’re obese.
This means that you may find yourself suffering from unpleasant, long-term side effects from the procedure. It could also lead to you still contending with back pain after the procedure.
If you’re overweight or obese, you elevate your risk of various back issues. The extra weight can even affect how you recover from back surgery. That’s why, at Premier Chiropractic Center, we’re here to help you with pain relief and also lifestyle advice to improve your overall health and well-being.
Book an appointment today at our Bessemer, AL, office for your back pain by dialing 205-519-4024. You may also schedule a visit online quickly and conveniently.
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