Is a spare tire causing your back pain?

MAKE-IT-SAFE MONDAY

A recent Gallup poll conducted from 2008 to 2010 found that overweight individuals (BMI 25+) reported that they had 20% more back pain than normal weight people. As the weight of individuals surveyed increased to a BMI 40+ the amount of pain reported increased to 254% over those that had a BMI under 25! 

Every pound that an individual gains adds strain to the muscles and ligaments of the spine. To make up for added weight, specifically around the midsection, the spine becomes crooked and stressed. The spine develops sciatica and lower back pain from a herniated disc or pinched nerve trying to compensate for the excess weight. You will notice someone with this condition by a crooked torso and an unnatural curve when standing upright. This only gets worse as people age. By the time someone reaches middle age, bone strength, muscle elasticity, and muscle tone will all start to decline.

Individuals that have back pain also tend to lead more sedentary lifestyle. The pain makes it difficult to move around, play sports, or enjoy outdoor activities. This will lead to increased weight gains causing even more back pain. This begins a downward spiral that can be difficult to snap out of. Maintaining a healthy diet and exercise program not only reduces existing back pain, but will also help prevent chronic and acute back pain problems in the future.

There are many other factors that could be contributing factors to weight gain and back pain. Individuals that are stressed will tend to sleep poorly, have a poor diet and get little exercise. Stress also increases muscle tightness leading to acute back pain. Smokers are much more at risk to develop lower back pain. According to the University of Michigan, nicotine thickens the walls of the blood vessels. The restricted blood flow through the lower back and increases the amount of time for healing and recovery if you have a back injury.

If you are overweight, obese, or working at maintaining a healthy weight, there are many tools at your disposal. Join a gym, go for a walk, or setup a meeting with a dietitian. YouTube can be a great resource for instructions on how to prepare a healthy meal or to find workout videos that can be done in your living room. It’s time to stop procrastinating, start shedding those extra pounds, and rid yourself of that debilitating back pain.

Thank you for your time and attention.  Let’s make it safe this Monday.

Brad Lindemann

Sales Coordinator, Lift’n Buddy, a Southworth Company