Obesity, Exercise and Pain Relief: Part II

In my last post, I began to cover a very complicated topic that has many angles. This post will address the importance of exercise in back pain prevention during weight loss.

When someone is overweight and starts losing, the body has to go through changes in muscle strength and length to accommodate the new smaller size. Obesity results in increased lumbar and cervical lordotic curves and thoracic kyphotic curve. In other words, the spines normal curves become increased to offset the extra weight that pulls constantly on the spine. Think of it like shifting your hip outward to hold a toddler. You change your posture to offset the increased weight. Over time, when the force is constant, your body changes resting muscle lengths to decrease the amount of energy and muscle work needed just to stand upright.

As you lose weight, your center of gravity will shift again and the curves will want to shift to make the standing energy output optimal again. This creates a state of change. This, unfortunately, can lead to back pain. Exercise can help the muscles to tighten up and to adjust faster to the changes the body is undergoing. This is especially true if balanced weight training and toning is incorporated during that time. Ab and back work are essential, as this will encourage the body to adapt more quickly and "take up the slack" left behind by the lost fat and strain. In addition to that, you will also get the added benefits of faster weight loss and a leaner look as you lose.

It is an aspect you hear little about, but an important thing to look at when you are attempting to lose a significant amount of weight. Making sure that your muscles are adapting as you change will help you to avoid back pain as you work to look and feel better and become a more healthy person.

NOTES: If you are unsure which exercises are right for you as you lose weight, make sure to ask your chiropractor, doctor, trainer or PT.

It is also very helpful to get regular adjustments from your chiropractor during weight loss. This will help your spine to adapt faster and prevent pain and injury.