There are several studies that outline the affects of body mass index (BMI) and risk of chronic pain. Obesity and chronic pain are two of the most widespread problems in the United States, and together the two could be devastating. If you or someone you love is overweight, you may want to consider losing weight for the sake of your overall health and chronic pain potential.
At Southwest Spine and Pain Center, we hope to administer chronic pain treatment with conservative methods before recommending any invasive treatment. We look at altering patient’s unhealthy habits, including overeating, for better treatment outcomes and reduced risk of future pain complications. With four locations in Utah, Richfield, Logan, St. George, and Cedar City, Southwest Spine and Pain Center is able to assist pain sufferers across the state.
The prescription for chronic pain treatment and obesity is weight loss. Patients can reduce the risk of pain and inflammation by losing weight. The spine is responsible for providing the body with the ability to extend, rotate, flex, and absorb pressure from walking, running, dancing etc. Additional body weight forces the spine to absorb more than it is programmed to, often leading to herniated discs, sciatica, and spinal arthritis.
It may be easier said than done, but the compassionate team at Southwest Spine and Pain Center will surely provide patients with the resources to reach this goal. Please review the following strategies that can help you lose weight and reduce chronic pain:
- Learn from past mistakes, change your mindset, and form permanent changes. Even if you fail, persevere and try again.
- Build short-term and long-term goals before you being a weight loss program.
- Slow and steady. Don’t make extreme diet changes that put your health at risk. Start with modifications and consult with a nutritionist if you need to.
- Make your food appetizing. The biggest hurdle people face in losing weight is making food that is appealing. No one wants to eat food they don’t like, and we don’t want that for you either. Load your meals with colorful and plentiful nutrients and diet, created to help you feel full longer.
- Drink water before, during, and after every meal. According to research, people who drink plenty of water ingest 75 fewer calories with their meals.
If you want to implement a weight loss treatment into your chronic pain management, talk to a Southwest Spine and Pain Center physician toady. We believe in a multidisciplinary approach to pain care and will work with other healthcare providers to increase your successes in treatment.
If chronic pain is impacting your life, don't wait to schedule an appointment at Southwest Spine and Pain Center. With three locations and growing, the pain management specialists at Southwest Spine and Pain Center are dedicated to helping those who suffer from chronic pain live the life they want to! To schedule an appointment, visit our locations tab!
The advice and information contained in this article is for educational purposes only, and is not intended to replace or counter a physician’s advice or judgment. Please always consult your physician before taking any advice learned here or in any other educational medical material.
©Southwest Spine and Pain Center, 2014
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