Is Obesity Linked to Low Back Pain?

Low back pain has been recognized as a problem of epidemic proportions.  It’s estimated that approximately 80% of the North American population will experience low back pain at some point in their adult lives.  It’s no surprise that more and more people are going to chiropractors to find relief.

What’s alarming is the apparent link between the incidence of low back pain and obesity.  According to the American Obesity Association, 64.5 % of adult Americans are considered overweight or obese.  Recent evidence suggests that obesity seriously impacts the musculoskeletal system.   Obesity increases the risk of low back pain, spondylolisthesis, degenerative disc disease and spinal stenosis.

Why obesity causes back pain hasn’t been totally investigated.  However, I think common sense can be applied here.  The laws of physics would tell you that the excess weight causes more wear and tear on the joints of the spine.  The extra stress would cause more degeneration and pain.

Also many of the foods that lead to obesity like sugar and toxic fats, also cause inflammation.  Inflammation causes pain and accelerates the production of arthritis.

In order to lose weight, overweight people will need to exercise.  However, if the person is suffering from back pain, they may not be able to do anything.  The inactivity leads to more weight gain, which leads to more back pain, and on and on.

The good news is that chiropractic care that focuses on posture correction can relieve pain and restore function in people even if they are over weight.  The treatment along with diet correction and exercise can lead to dramatic improvements in health.

For more information on how I treat back pain, log on to: www.newbackpainreliefinfo.com.