Some people will attest that drinking water will cure most diseases in the human body. Chronic pain sufferers may be attributing to their pain by not drinking the right amount of water. The American culture is compelled by fast and cheap products. With fast food chains on the rise and prices of their food and drinks drastically dropping, Americans are opting for unhealthier alternatives in their diet. The bottling industry, in particular, markets Coca Cola and Pepsi products so that we believe they are an appropriate substitute for water. However, this decrease in water in our diet is contributing to the pain we feel in our body. South West Spine and Pain Center encourages their patients to consume as much water as they can throughout the day. Too much is never enough when it comes to staying hydrated.
Our body weight is comprised of 75% water. Without water, many diseases and illnesses can arise. Heart disease from cholesterol plaque, kidney stones, bacteria in the intestines, and a buildup of minerals are all cases where the body is deprived of water. There are many factors that determine how much water is needed in a person’s body. Depending on the climate, how much activity is being done, and some specialized needs, the rule of thumb says that a person should drink about half as much water in ounces as their body weight in pounds. For example, if you weigh 170 pounds, you need around 85 ounces of water daily.
The lower back and spine are severely affected by dehydration and cause major back pain. Understanding the formation of the spine is important in knowing what happens when there is a lack of water in the body. The spine is comprised of vertebrae and discs. The discs lie between the vertebrae and absorb any shock that the spine goes through (ie falling, jumping, high impact sports). Within the discs is a ring that is filled with a substance called the nucleus pulposis and water. Throughout the day, as gravity pulls us up and down and side to side, water seeps out between the discs. It is vital to stay hydrated throughout the day because the discs absorb the water that is available to make it possible for us to move around comfortably in our daily activities.
Back pain occurs and hits strongly when there is an inadequate amount of water available in the body. Water works for multiple functions: protects organs and tissues, regulates body temperature, lubricates joints, carries nutrients and oxygen to cells. Because it is essential for not just one use, there needs to be accessibility within the body for everything to function correctly. The discs in our back become compromised when we are dehydrated.
Southwest Spine and Pain know the utter importance of water for the back and spine. For more information, seek advice from your physician or schedule an appointment with a doctor at one of our many Southwest clinics!
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.
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