In addition to the large group of upper back pain sufferers in the United States or Canada, there is also a huge percentage of the population that is diagnosed as overweight. Is there a correlation between the two? Maybe, maybe not. But, for those patients who are suffering from chronic upper back pain conditions and have been clinically diagnosed as overweight, it is a certainty that weight management may play a huge role in their future health.

It is important to teach the obese chronic upper back pain patient that has successfully completed non-surgical lumbar decompression therapy that they should strive for a healthy level of weight. Excess pounds that creates needless 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 adjustment that can be successfully implemented with the proper education, counseling, and follow up.

Weight management is defined as the modification of daily caloric intake versus energy usage with the goal of achieving and maintaining a satisfactory bodyweight. Depending on the patient’s lifestyle and/or career, he or she may have to drastically lower their daily caloric intake in order to achieve a healthy bodyweight. Weight management is a science, but with the proper caloric intake formula a patient 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 many as the number of dieting overnight 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 bodyweight and height. This will determine the patient’s general overweight/underweight condition. This 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 bodyweight and shape can also be influenced by genetics. Metabolic rate, in many cases, is an example of a genetic factor that is taken into consideration when calculating the proper daily caloric intake for an patient.

Using the Body Mass Index (BMI) and other factors, physicians are able to produce their caloric intake recommendations.

In conclusion, a patient who is overweight and is suffering from a chronic low 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 bodyweight management suggestions could hinder the body’s response to therapy and may aggravate a previous back injury in the future.

If you are suffering from a chronic low back pain condition and are located in Canada or the United States, simply visit the DRX9000 spinal decompression information page to learn more about non-surgical spinal decompression therapy.

This data is not intended nor should be used as a substitute for professional medical advice. Consult your doctor before considering any medical therapy method available.

Tags: spinal decompression, uppper back pain