Dr. Michael Berke, D.C.
MassageMaster.net, L.L.C.
According to the American Obesity Association, approximately 65 percent of adult Americans (about 127 million) are categorized as being overweight or obese. The truth is that obesity is becoming a global epidemic. I don't want to dwell on the numerous causes of this problem (at some time in the future, I will write helpful articles regarding this subject) but I would like to help anyone who is overweight or obese understand and fight the causes of back pain and posture problems.
Most people know that obesity contributes to the development of coronary heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and colon cancer. However, did you know that obesity is a contributing factor to back pain? Being overweight or obese can significantly contribute to symptoms associated with osteoporosis, osteoarthritis (OA), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), degenerative disc disease (DDD), spinal stenosis, and spondylolisthesis.
The spine is designed to carry the body's weight and distribute the loads during rest and activity. When excess weight is carried, the spine is forced to absorb the burden, which may lead to structural compromise and damage. This is most applicable to the weight bearing joints, such as those of the lumbar spine, hips and knees.
One region of the spine that is most vulnerable to the effects of obesity is the lower back; the lumbar spine. Lack of exercise and bodily conditioning leads to poor flexibility and weak muscles in the back, pelvis, and thighs. This can increase the curve of the lower back causing the pelvis to tilt too far forward. Further, this is detrimental to proper posture and as posture weakens, other regions of the spine (neck) may become painful. Think of the mechanics of the back of a pregnant woman, weight (is this case a baby) pulls the abdomen forward, thus increasing the curve and pressure of the lower back.
You may try to dismiss the cause of some of these spinal disorders to the process of normal aging. It is true that with age body tissues can cause changes to spinal anatomy. However, if you are overweight or obese, chances are you have, or will have, back pain.
A sedentary lifestyle coupled with an unbalanced diet can affect the density, or strength of the bones (spinal vertebrae). When the structural architecture of a vertebral body is compromised, it is at risk for fracture. Vertebral fractures can be painful and disabling. If you have been diagnosed with osteoporosis, you have probably lost between 25-30% of desirable bone density. If the diagnosis is osteopeonia, bone loss has been in the range of 10-15%.
Obesity may aggravate an existing low back problem and contributes to recurrence of the condition. Unhealthy posture accounts for neck and back pain. A level of physical fitness is necessary to properly support the spine. According to the Surgeon General's "Call to Action to Prevent and Decrease Overweight and Obesity" 40% of adults in the United States do not participate in any leisure-time physical activity and less than 1/3 engage in at least 30 minutes of physical activity most days.
Another consideration is where meals are eaten. In 1992, 38% of the food dollar was spent on foods eaten away from home (5). It can be difficult to control what you eat and how the food is prepared (e.g. fried versus broiled) at a restaurant; especially 'fast food' establishments.
If you are overweight, obese, or working at maintaining a healthy weight, there are many tools available to empower your efforts. First, I strongly suggest you see a qualified health care practitioner to diagnose the cause of the pain. Then, aside from the obvious necessary weight loss, you can start a careful program of stretching and exercises specifically designed for beginners.
If you have any questions related to this subject, feel free to email me at relax@massagemaster.net
After 20 years of clinical practice treating all sorts of back conditions, I discovered &patented a powerful new way for people with Back Pain, Spasm & Stress to easily reduce their Pain and work on their Posture. Learn easy massage & back pain relief at home-Imagine getting a massage anytime you want it". Dr. Michael Berke- Chiropractor/ Inventor www.massagemaster.net
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