If you're overweight and suffering from back pain, your doctor
will probably suggest that you drop those extra pounds. Losing
the weight is probably a good suggestion from an overall health
perspective, but it might not be the answer to your back pain,
at least not according to a recent study.
The
potential association between excess weight and back pain
was examined in 152 patients attending a hospital-based spinal
pain unit. Researchers determined the body mass index (BMI)
of each patient after measuring weight and height. (The BMI
is essentially a scale that determines "appropriate"
weight range by comparing weight and height.) Results showed
that BMI had no significant effect on the incidence of back
pain, except perhaps in cases involving extremely obese individuals.
If you're looking to lose some weight, exercise and dietary
adjustments are a good place to start. But if youčre suffering
from back pain, the chiropractic office is the place to go.
In fact, your doctor of chiropractic will be able to manage
your back pain and also help you design a sensible program
to shed those unwanted pounds.
Reference:
Baker PG, Giles LGF. Is excess weight related to chronic
spinal pain? Chiropractic Journal of Australia, June
1999: Vol. 29, No. 2, pp51-54.
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