Will my back pain go away if I lose weight?

Unfortunately, there is no one solution to alleviate back pain . Every case is different. While losing weight may take some pressure off of the pelvis and spine, other damage may have already been done. A herniated disc, for example, may not resume its proper place just because you lose some weight.

How much weight do you lose to improve back pain?

According to Dunlevy et al. [9], LBP decreased significantly in patients who lost more than 5% of their body weight through changes in lifestyle factors such as dietary guidance, psychology support, and support for increased physical activity.

Will my body stop hurting if I lose weight?

Many health conditions are worsened by excess weight, and the stress of extra weight on joints can lead to painful conditions, particularly of the knees and feet. It makes sense, then, that losing weight often helps to relieve some kinds of pain.

Does body weight affect back pain?

Lower back pain is especially prevalent in people who are overweight or obese . Your spine — especially your lower back — is built to support your body weight, but when you're carrying excess pounds, you can overtax your lower back's ability to do its job properly.

Why does my back feel better after losing weight?

Maintaining a healthy weight or losing weight can help ease or prevent back issues and reduces stress on other joints as well . Dropping just a few pounds can make a big difference to your back. If you are heavier than your ideal weight, your muscles will need to work harder to perform everyday tasks.

Will losing belly fat help with back pain?

The research demonstrated that obese people treated for low back pain will experience better outcomes when they lose weight , particularly in cases of morbid obesity. An enlarged abdomen (big belly) as a result of obesity has been shown to cause early degeneration of discs, which is associated with low back pain.

Does Losing Body Weight Help with Relieving Back Pain? (2024)

Does Losing Body Weight Help with Relieving Back Pain? (1)

We’ve all heard that losing weight can come with a myriad of health benefits, but could shedding the excess pounds help to ease back pain? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, today over 70% of Americans adults over the age of 20 are overweight, and nearly 40% are obese. Back pain is also among the leading causes of disability in the United States, affecting over half of all Americans at least once in their lives.

If you suffer from back pain, you are well aware of just how limiting it can be. But did you know that excess weight and back pain can be linked? The relationship between back pain and weight loss may be more dynamic than most people realize. NJ Spine and Ortho is here to help you understand this relationship.

Dropping Pounds Can Relieve the Spine of Extra Pressure

Our spines help to keep us upright as we fight gravity every day to perform our daily tasks, but if you’re overweight, your spine is going to have a much harder time fighting that war. Did you know that for every four pounds of additional weight that your body carries, there are 16 extra pounds of pressure placed on the intervertebral discs in your spine?

This pressure compresses the lumbar spine in the lower back, often resulting in a pinched nerve and lingering pain. Those who are overweight and suffering from back pain may find that losing weight could help to relieve this pressure and reduce their pain.

Excess Body Fat Can Contribute to Joint Damage

When too much uric acid builds up in your body, it can cause sharp crystals to lodge into your joints, also known as gout – a painful form of arthritis. Uric acid is normally eliminated through the kidneys, but the heavier you are, the less effective your kidneys are.

According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, those who are overweight are also at a higher risk for:

The Relationship Between Weight and Posture

It may be common knowledge that bad posture can instigate back pain, but if you’re at an unhealthy weight, good posture might be hard to come by. Our spines are built to transport a certain amount of weight, and if we exceed that threshold, our spines will need to accommodate that extra bulk.

By carrying a surplus of weight in your midsection, this excess fat can tug your pelvis into a forward position. Long term, this forward-pull can result in the development of an unnatural curvature of the spine over time. This accentuated spinal curve not only contributes to chronic pain, but it can also increase your risk of injury. Dropping the extra weight can help ensure that your spine stays within its proper alignment – leading the way to a happier, healthier spinal column.

Seek Professional Help for Back Pain with NJ Spine and Orthopedic

While reducing your weight to a healthy level is always recommended and can help to alleviate your back pain, it may not be enough. If your back pain persists or escalates, you should seek medical attention. With NJ Spine and Orthopedic, our board-certified back doctors and skilled specialists can help you find back pain relief.

Offering minimally invasive surgeries and same day procedures, NJ Spine and Orthopedic can get you back on your feet and living a less painful life quicker than you know it. For a free consultation, give us a call at (866) 272-9271 or complete our online contact forms today.

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Weight and back pain have an intricate relationship, backed by substantial medical evidence. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention highlights how prevalent obesity is in the U.S., affecting over 70% of adults. I'll delve into the concepts intertwined in the article and their connections to weight, back pain, and overall health.

1. Back Pain & Weight:

Pressure on Spine: For every four pounds of excess weight, the spine bears 16 pounds of additional pressure on intervertebral discs, leading to pinched nerves and persistent back pain. This insight underscores the direct correlation between weight and spinal health.
Posture & Weight: Weight influences posture. Excessive weight, especially concentrated around the midsection, pulls the pelvis forward, altering spinal alignment and contributing to chronic pain and potential injuries.

2. Health Impacts of Excess Weight:

Joint Damage: High body weight leads to increased uric acid, triggering gout and joint inflammation. This underscores how weight influences conditions like arthritis, affecting joint health and causing pain.
Comorbidities: Obesity is linked to various health issues, including type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, fatty liver disease, cancer, kidney disease, high blood pressure, gallbladder disease, pregnancy complications, osteoarthritis, and sleep apnea. These conditions often coexist with back pain, emphasizing the broader health implications of excess weight.

3. Medical Intervention:

Professional Help: While weight loss can alleviate back pain, seeking medical attention for persistent or worsening pain is crucial. NJ Spine and Orthopedic offers interventions like minimally invasive surgeries and procedures for effective back pain management.

In essence, the article addresses how weight affects spinal health, joint conditions, posture, and overall well-being. It emphasizes the need for weight management not only to alleviate back pain but also to mitigate various health risks associated with obesity. The provided insights advocate for a holistic approach to address back pain, integrating weight management strategies and seeking professional medical guidance when necessary.