Losing Weight May Prevent Back Pain

Posted on Aug 2, 2020


If you’re like most people, last New Year’s Eve you vowed to lose weight this year. How’s that going? Most people are seemingly heavier than before, especially thanks to the coronavirus pandemic which has caused much of the U.S. population to stay indoors, in their homes, holed up for months.

Sheltering in place has led to weight gain of up to 16 pounds for 76 percent of Americans, according to a study commissioned by Nutrisystem. It has been harder to stay physically active and maintain a “normal” meal schedule thanks to the bad news people keep getting via their smartphones, computers and TVs. Everyday it seems like something else is wrong with the world, and it’s causing people to eat to cope with all the fear and anxiety the world has these days.

Did you know that according to a CDC Adult Obesity Facts page, 42 percent of Americans are obese? When a person’s weight is higher than what’s considered healthy for their given height then they’re overweight or obese. “Body Mass Index,” or BMI, is used to screen for this… and, for example, an adult who is 5’9” and weighs 169 to 202 pounds with a BMI between 25 and 29.9 is considered overweight. If he or she weighs 203 pounds or more with a BMI over 30, that’s considered obese.

Does obesity correlate with musculoskeletal pain, and, more specifically, back pain? It sure does! By having a “belly” or “tummy” that sticks out you’re adding strain to your muscles and ligaments in the back– they have to work overtime to support the fat in the front. When a person is obese, the body has to compensate for the weight whereas the spine can become titled and stressed unevenly. It’s not unusual for overweight/obese people to have back pain because their spine isn’t supporting them like it should– and there could be an unnatural curvature of the spine thanks to the added weight.

Excess weight tends to pull the pelvis forward; It strains the lower back. It can also lead to a herniated disc and sciatica. Excess weight can also exacerbate arthritic pain.

So what can be done about this? If you’re overweight/obese and have a high BMI, it’s time to lose some weight. As you lose weight around your midsection, you should have less back pain. How do you know if you need to lose weight? If you’re a woman with a waist measurement of more than 35 inches or a man with a waist measurement of more than 40 inches, it makes sense to think about losing weight. Chiropractic care can help your body “right itself,” aligning your spine and accelerating weight loss thanks to the accountability of checking in with your doctor regularly.

Need help losing weight and getting rid of your back pain? Make an appointment at Lakewoods Chiropractic in Forest Lake, MN. Call 651-464-0800 or email info@lakewoodschiropractic.com today.

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Lakewoods Chiropractic
Lakewoods Chiropractic
385 Google reviews
SALLY DETLEFSEN
SALLY DETLEFSEN
September 26, 2022.
I am amazed at how much better I feel since coming to Lakewoods. The doctors and staff are amazing.
Lukas Drayna
Lukas Drayna
September 21, 2022.
Great friendly staff. They focus on the target area’s to ensure your body is happy and healthy !
Michael F.
Michael F.
September 13, 2022.
Lakewoods Chiropractic is awesome. Friendly, welcoming, and professional Environment. They make you feel comfortable. Definitely recommend Lakewoods. I'm well on the road to recovery. Keep up the good work.
tone2403
tone2403
August 30, 2022.
Definitely recommend Lakewoods. When I went in I was in very rough shape. After a few weeks of adjustments I'm feeling better then ever. Great staff and very knowledgeable. They take the time to really make you understand the process.
Eric Russell
Eric Russell
August 25, 2022.
Jason and his staff are the best. Since my 1st visit, they always informed on your progress and had your health as #1 priority.
Angel L Colon Jr
Angel L Colon Jr
August 11, 2022.
Excellent service, friendly accommodating staff. Awesome family friendly services. Highly recommend!!!
Carrie Davis
Carrie Davis
August 3, 2022.
By far the best chiropractor I’ve ever used. They customize a plan just for you and don’t use a one size fits all approach. I wouldn’t recommend anyone else!! Thank you!!!
Justin W
Justin W
July 28, 2022.
Great place!
Jennifer Thelen
Jennifer Thelen
July 21, 2022.
I have been experiencing low back pain for at least 10 rememberable years and decided on a whim to try chiropractic care at Lakewoods. I had never been to a chiropractor before so I had no expectations that it would work or not but after just my first adjustment I had instant relief for the first time in 10 years. I have since been super impressed with how everything has been explained to me and how my care plan has been formed. The staff are all very kind and have been very helpful as well!