Obesity and Lumbar spine pain are closely interrelated, with excess body weight placing additional strain on the lower back causing pain.
Obesity causes lumbar spine pain by various ways.
1. Increased Mechanical Stress : leading to increased wear and tear on the intervertebral discs, facet joints, and other spinal structures.
2. Obesity causes Degenerative Disc Disease where the discs between vertebrae lose their cushioning ability, leading to pain and reduced mobility.
LOWER BACK PAIN(LBP)LOWER BACK PAIN (LBP)
3. Obesity is linked with chronic low-grade inflammation, which can contribute to degeneration of spinal structures.
4. Risk of back injuries increases because of Muscle Imbalance and Weakness because of extra weight strain on the lumbar spine can cause Disc Herniation , Disc Bulge , Disc rupture , sciatica pain etc
5. Above factors leads to Reduced Physical Activity and further promotes more weight gain.
SOLUTIONS
WEIGHT LOSS ! WEIGHT LOSS !!WEIGHT LOSS !!!
OBESITY AND LOW BACK PAIN (LBP)
Solutions :
1. Weight Loss
2. Exercise : Regular physical activity, including aerobic exercise and strength training, helps maintain a healthy weight, strengthen the back and core muscles, and improve flexibility.
3. Physical Therapy : A physical therapist can design a tailored exercise program to strengthen the back and core muscles, improve posture, and reduce pain.
OBESITY AND LOW BACK PAIN (LBP)
4. Healthy Diet : for weight management and reduce inflammation, contributing to overall spine health.
5. Ergonomics : Using proper body mechanics and ergonomic supports during daily activities can help reduce strain on the lumbar spine.
6. YOGA : Last but not the least , Yoga has tremendous benefit and and if done properly with dedication , consistency and patience , it can cover effectively all the above 5 points directly or indirectly.
Obesity and over weight causes abnormalities in the lumbar spine causing chronic Low Back Pain. Types of abnormalities which occurs in the Lumbar spine leading to low back pain involve structural and degenerative changes in the Lumbar spine. Some common abnormalities are :
1. Herniated Disc – commonly known as Slipped Disc : The increased pressure on the lumbar spine from excess weight causes the soft inner gel of the disc to bulge , herniate or rupture, pressing on nearby nerves and causing pain.
2. Degenerative Disc Disease: Extra weight can accelerate the wear and tear on the intervertebral discs, leading to their degeneration. This results in reduced disc height and increased pain due to less cushioning between the vertebrae.
3. Spondylolisthesis: The extra load on the spine can contribute to the forward slipping of one vertebra over another, causing nerve compression and back pain.
4. Scoliosis: An abnormal lateral curvature of the spine that can cause pain and discomfort.
5. Lordosis: An excessive inward curvature of the lower spine, which can cause back pain and posture issues.
6. Osteoarthritis: Excess body weight increases the stress on the facet joints in the lumbar spine, accelerating the wear and tear that leads to osteoarthritis. This condition causes pain, stiffness, inflammation and reduced mobility.
7. Sciatica: The additional weight can increase the risk of nerve compression, particularly the sciatic nerve, leading to radiating pain from the lower back down to the legs.
8. Muscle Strain or Ligament Sprain: Excessive weight on the spine muscles and ligaments causes their overstretching and tearing , often due to improper lifting or sudden or awkward movements and postures.
9. Compression Fractures: Increased body weight can put additional pressure on the vertebrae, leading to compression fractures, particularly in individuals with osteoporosis or weakened bones and also elderly people.
10. Spinal Stenosis: Excess weight can exacerbate the narrowing of the spinal canal, leading to increased pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. This condition can cause pain, numbness, and weakness in the lower back and legs.
