Common sense and (increasingly) scientific studies tell us that overweight and obese people have the greatest risk of back problems and the worst recovery rate. A patient’s fear of movement and a lack of exercise are major factors that prevent genuine recovery. In effect, we have a vicious cycle of back issues and inactivity which usually leads to more severe and chronic problems:
- Severe ligament and muscle strain in the lower back.
- Excess abdominal fat that pulls the pelvis permanently forward causing lower back pain.
- Sciatica from herniated disc, excess pressure on the spinal column.
- Pinched nerves, rounded back.
Therefore, patients are wise to adopt a two-pronged approach to back pain and spinal column recovery:
- A proper weight reduction program to reduce the pressure on the lower back caused by excess belly fat and cellulite around the arms, legs, etc.
- A gradual exercise program that initially encourages limited, low-risk movement, followed by more regular rehabilitation exercises as patients become lighter and healthier.
Modest weight loss is widely recommended as a treatment for some types of osteoarthritis, including arthritis of the spine.