Obesity - A Known Cause of Low Back Pain

Obesity is one of the many causes of low back pain. The pain occurs because the spine which is responsible for carrying the entire weight of the upper body and distribute it evenly to the lower body, has come under an extraordinary amount of stress. When excess weight is being carried around over a period of time, the spine is forced to assimilate the burden; the consequence is often severe lower back pain. In both sexes, obesity have known to cause lordosis and low back pain, due to an increased weight of the abdominal contents(ex."potbelly').

Lordosis is often described as hollow back or sway back. Anatomically speaking, it's when ones hips are thrust forward, and the back is in an arch position, producing an abnormal increase of the lumbar curvature. This abnormal extension deformity is frequently associated with weakened abdominal muscles.

Muscular Weakness and Low back Pain

Many Orthopedists consider muscular weakness, particularly in the abdominal region, and poor joint flexibility in the back and legs, primary causes of back pain. Most obese individuals have not been physically active due to their severe overweight condition, which leads to the continued accumulation of additional body fat and poor range of motion around the joints. As the fat accumulates, especially around the abdominal area, muscles gradually continue to be replaced with fat cells.

Exercise Prescription

Strengthening of the muscles of the abdomen and back, along with joint flexibility exercises, are often prescribed for the prevention of and rehabilitation from severe lower back pain. According to many Orthopedists, maintaining normal daily activities of pain tolerance, often leads to a more rapid recovery from an episode of acute back pain as opposed to bed rest.

Conclusion

It is clear that obesity is one of the many causes of back pain. Bearing in mind that obesity has already been held responsible for one of the causes of diabetes, hypertension, cholelithiasis, cardiovascular issues and more, it's extremely important that the obese individuals see this as another reason to be concerned about their overweight condition. Consulting a physician should always be the first and the right thing to do.