Your excessive weight can be your enemy when it comes to managing your chronic pain, such as in low back pain.

With low back pain a majority of obese people have excess body fat around the abdomen, this extra forward weight increases the lordotic curve of the spine and places additional stress on the lower back as well as your joints.

Fat cells are believed to facilitate production of inflammatory factors thus weight loss not only decrease mechanical stress on the body it may also help to decrease overall inflammation and general pain.

Obese people have a higher incidence of degenerative disc disease, herniated and ruptured disc, osteoporosis, stress fractures, spinal stenosis, spondylosis, spondylolisthesis, spondylolysis, spinal osteoarthritis and unhealthy posture, among many other health problems.

When it comes to low back pain reducing your weight by just 10% can significantly reduce your back pain. Consider making a 10% reduction in your weight one of your goals as part of your management tools.

There are many programs and tools available to help individuals achieve a healthier weight. The best way to maintain a healthy weight is with a balanced diet and exercise program.

Previous: Depression
Next: Smoking