In many cases, people who are overweight struggle with cases of chronic pain. The over bearing mass that gets in the way of day-to-day activities takes a toll on the body, in many aspects. An overweight person runs the risk of deteriorating joint health, muscle pain, diabetes, trouble breathing, back pain, and many more diseases.
The medical staff at Southwest Spine and Pain Center designs treatment plans based on every facet of a physical exam. One of the most important factors is the patient’s weight and overall health. If a patient is overweight, the physicians will recommend physical activity and may even refer him or her to another specialist.
At Southwest Spine and Pain Center, the core goal is to eliminate pain and increase quality of life. Exercise helps reduce chronic pain from disorders such as fibromyalgia, arthritis pain, and back pain. For a patient who is significantly overweight and dealing with chronic pain, losing weight can assist to minimize some pain.
Exercising is one of the best ways to reduce pain. It is accompanied with so many health benefits and will leave you feeling good and energized. Exercise is the key fundamental tool to weight management.
One of the biggest misconceptions of chronic pain is that movement and activity will increase pain and other symptoms. In reality, the more a patient avoids exercise and movement, the more pain he or she will experience. In addition, gaining weight intensifies the added pressure on the body.
There really is no excuse to not exercise. A gym membership can sometimes be costly, by a person doesn’t need a gym to get a workout. In fact, you may be more comfortable exercising at home or outside. Walking, running, and free weights is feasible to the average American. Exercising can improve and maintain bone strength, maintain weight control, strengthen muscles, improve mood, increase energy, help with sleepiness/fatigue, and help with chronic pain.
- The first step to losing weight and exercising is setting up an appointment with your doctor. Make sure that you and your physician are managing chronic pain in the best way possible. Get consent from your physician for physical activity and discuss limitations to keep in mind.
- Choose activities that are realistic. If running tires your out immediately, walk instead. Avoid high intensity workouts. Start out slow and slowly work your way to harder, faster exercises.
- Low impact exercises will most effectively reduce strain and pain on your body. Swimming is a good alternative to walking and is an effective way to burn calories, reduce stress, improve muscle strength, and relieve joint pain.
- Research shows that exercising with a friend is the best way to get results. Having a friend to work out will also increase motivation.
- Count calories. This step will help you see results. Aim for a certain number each day and when you start losing weight, begin exercising. Watching what you eat and dieting will make losing weight easier and ease chronic pain symptoms.
Don’t let your weight keep you from being active and getting healthy. It is easy to get discouraged as an overweight person with chronic pain, but exercise can make healthy living a whole lot easier! Southwest Spine and Pain specialists work effortlessly to make this transition a great experience.
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, 2013
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