Weight Loss To End Back Pain

HOW WEIGHT LOSS CAN END YOUR BACK PAIN

Why do your extra pounds hurt your back?

Imagine starting the year not only a clothes size smaller but also releasing that relentless back pain and giving you back some new found confidence?

Excess weight around the stomach can do the back little good. As a structure that helps support the body and influence movement, the back has a normal spinal curve that is most effective in a neutral position. Any added weight in the midsection shifts the pelvis forward and causes the spine to curve excessively.  The excess weight pulls the pelvis forward and strains the lower back, creating lower back pain.

If you are heavier than your ideal weight, your muscles will need to work harder in order to help you accomplish everyday tasks, this puts extra strain on your body. 

What you can do to reduce your back pain?

Most fat is stored around the stomach area, to help cushion and support the organs but also to be a source of ‘spare energy’ incase the body seeks out extra supplies in a fight or flight emergency and for survival purposes.   Because the excess fat is stored around the lower stomach, it puts enormous pressure on the hips and spine, causing the agonizing back pain.

To target that stomach area the two vital ways to reduce fat is nutrition and movement.  At least 80% of your weight loss target will come from making modifications in how you eat.

1. Reducing sugar

Cutting down on sugar is the single best thing you can do for your body and brain.

Sugar is physiologically and psychologically addictive. It’s tough to break sugar enjoyment, but with a few steps and the right mindset, you can make it easier.

If you have a sweet tooth, you can probably understand. Sugar can be addictive — it turns on reward pathways in your brain and causes withdrawal. Without the right game plan, it’s hard to break a sugar addiction. But when you do kick your sugar habit, the changes to your life can be extraordinary. 

2. Add protein

When you’re starving, every biscuit cries out to you.

Hunger robs you of the willpower to resist sugar cravings.

Eating protein is an easy way to help curb those cravings.

High-protein foods digest more slowly than high carbs, keeping you feeling full for longer.

Protein doesn’t make your blood sugar spike, like refined carbs and sugars do.

When you pick a protein snack, choose healthy sources like lean chicken, natural yoghurt, eggs, nuts or beans.

3. Movement

The more your body moves through walking, pushing, pulling, lifting and using every muscle you have in your body, the stronger your body becomes.  The stronger your muscles are the more your body can fight any aches and pains.  By using resistance such as weights in the gym, resistance bands or your own body weight you get to boost your metabolism.  This results in a faster rate at which calories burn not only when you move but also afterwards too.   Avoid high impact exercise such as jumping because the intensity is too much for the joints too handle.  You don’t need to be a runner to lose weight.

4. Pilates

Pilates is the safest and most effective form of exercise to help strengthen your muscles, joints and give you back some flexibility, so you feel energized, confident, happy and less stress.  This reduction in stress levels will help control your hormones, so you are less likely to seek out comfort food in times of high anxiety and stress.  This will then help you manage and control your weight.   Pilates brings that balance to your body, helping to get rid of your aches and pains and giving you that sense of enormous wellbeing.

Ultimately we put on weight due to excess eating and lack of movement.  Often caused by hormones in our body that tells our brain to seek food.   By controlling your calorie intake alongside movement you will reach a balance that is easy to manage and leaves you feeling body confident and without the struggles and agony of back pain.

If you are suffering with back pain due to unwanted weight and would like the help and guidance in a friendly,  supported environment with like minded people, please book a Taster Pilates session here END RELENTLESS BACK PAIN TASTER