Do you have a bad back? Are you overweight? Approximately 60% of Americans are categorized as overweight due to having a body mass index of over 25%. Excess weight is one major factor in causing chronic back pain. As many dieters know, losing weight takes time and energy. It can be daunting and painful to begin an exercise program when your body is already in pain. So how does an overweight person experience back pain relief? The spine supports the entire body and when that body is carrying an extra 20, 50, or 100 pounds, it adds pressure to the spine resulting in chronic back pain. Imagine how light the spine would feel with an extra 20 pounds of fat removed. This article's focus is on losing weight to obtain back pain relief.

Like dieters, chronic pain sufferers know how long it can take to get their condition under control. Chronic pain can be lifelong. Obesity doesn't have to be. There are many reasons to lose weight such as looking good, reducing cholesterol and blood pressure, reducing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes, feeling better emotionally and physically, and becoming more active. So start shedding unwanted pounds and unwanted back pain.

Back pain related to obesity occurs because of the undue stress excess fat places on the supportive spine. Just as high heeled shoes can cause knee osteoarthritis due to the weight of the body being placing too much pressure on the knees and toes, obesity causes strain to all the joints and wears them down before their time. The best way to achieve back pain relief is to rid yourself of those pounds.

Back Pain Relief: Rid Yourself of Pain for Good

Musculoskeletal pain is reported by 1/3 of obese Americans. These same people state they suffer from fatigue and are often out of breath. These issues contribute to the inactivity that increases their weight and overall pain. It is important to get up and become active. Even taking five minute walks one or more times per day can benefit overall health. It is at least a start to an exercise program. Decreasing caloric intake is also key in losing weight. There are more extreme measures that can be discussed with your doctor such as weight loss medications and surgical procedures that can help take off the weight quickly. Less risky options include eating six small meals a day, increasing physical exercise, getting thyroid levels checked to rule out any illness that could be causing weight gain or preventing weight loss and drinking lots of water. Back pain relief can be achieved if you stick with healthy lifestyle changes.