In addition to the millions of back pain sufferers in the United States, there is also a large percentage of the population that is diagnosed as obese. Is there a correlation between the two? Maybe, maybe not. But, for those individuals who are suffering from chronic back pain conditions and have been clinically diagnosed as obese, it is a certainty that weight management may play a vital role in their future health.
It is important to educate the obese chronic back pain patient that has successfully completed non-surgical spinal decompression therapy that they should strive for a healthy bodyweight. Excess bodyweight that creates unnecessary stress on a previously injured intervertebral disc is likely to aggravate the patient's back injury in the future. Fortunately, weight management is a lifestyle change that can be successfully implemented with the proper education, counseling, and follow up.
Weight management is described as the modification of daily caloric intake versus energy expenditure with the goal of obtaining and maintaining a satisfactory bodyweight. Depending on the patient's lifestyle and/or career, he or she may have to drastically decrease their daily caloric intake in order to achieve a healthy bodyweight. Weight management is a science, but with the proper caloric intake formula an individual can make the necessary modifications to his/her diet and activity level to obtain and maintain a healthy bodyweight.
How is the proper caloric intake equation formulated? The calculations are as abundant as the number of dieting gurus and the number of dieting books being published on the subject. However, the majority of physicians begin the process by evaluating the patient's body weight and height. This will determine the patient's general overweight/underweight condition. This calculation process is defined as the Body Mass Index (BMI). Another factor taken into consideration, along with daily activity levels, is the fact that a patient's body weight and shape can also be influenced by genetics. Metabolic rate, in some cases, is an example of a genetic factor that is taken into consideration when calculating the proper daily caloric intake for an individual.
Utilizing the Body Mass Index (BMI) and other factors, physicians are able to formulate their caloric intake recommendations.
In conclusion, a patient who is obese and is suffering from a chronic back pain condition should maintain their caloric intake at a level suggested by their physician in order to lower any excess pressure to the spine. Neglecting weight management recommendations could hinder the body's response to treatment and may aggravate a previous back injury in the future.
If you are suffering from a chronic back pain condition and would like to learn more about a non-surgical treatment alternative, visit us at www.AxiomWorldwide.com.
This article is not intended nor should be used as a substitute for professional medical advice. Consult your physician before considering any medical treatment method available.
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