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Back ache

  • Thread starter Thread starter nicbarnett
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nicbarnett

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I am massively overweight and for the past 3 or 4 months I have had extreme pain in my lower back whilst walking or standing.
I've been to the Dr's who has said as you carry most of your weight on my tummy you are causing undue pressure on your back, does that make sense to you guys?
Thanks xx
 
It is a possible answer , but it could be anything ....
Do seek more medical assistance if you feel you need it
Putting weight aside..... No one should have to suffer pain .....
Best wishes ....Kat
 
Yes, makes sense to me. Your backache should get easier as you lose weight.

Some of the most common obesity-related problems include musculoskeletal and joint related pain.1 For people who are overweight, attention to overall weight loss is important as every pound adds strain to the muscles and ligaments in the back.

In order to compensate for extra weight, the spine can become tilted and stressed unevenly. As a result, over time, the back may lose its proper support and an unnatural curvature of the spine may develop.

In particular, pain and problems in the low back may be aggravated by obesity. This occurs for people with extra weight in their stomachs because the excess weight pulls the pelvis forward and strains the lower back, creating lower back pain. According to the American Obesity Association, women who are obese or who have a large waist size are particularly at risk for lower back pain.
http://www.spine-health.com/wellness/nutrition-diet-weight-loss/weight-loss-back-pain-relief


If you feel that this is not the case then ask to see an Orthopaedic Consultant.
 
I used to suffer really bad back pain and knee pain. After losing 10% of my body weight I've now been off the pain killers for over a year. My knees are still dodgy occasionally on stairs, but no where near as bad as it was.
 
I was told my back ache was because I'm fat (from the other side of the room, with no examination).

When I finally went to a chiropractor he told me it was a displaced sacro illeac joint, caused (I realised) by a blow to my hip when a colleague pushed their chair into my hip. It was 90% better after 1 treatment, and is now almost pain free. :D

Moral of the story: get a second opinion.
 
catherinecherub said:
Yes, makes sense to me. Your backache should get easier as you lose weight.

Some of the most common obesity-related problems include musculoskeletal and joint related pain.1 For people who are overweight, attention to overall weight loss is important as every pound adds strain to the muscles and ligaments in the back.

In order to compensate for extra weight, the spine can become tilted and stressed unevenly. As a result, over time, the back may lose its proper support and an unnatural curvature of the spine may develop.

In particular, pain and problems in the low back may be aggravated by obesity. This occurs for people with extra weight in their stomachs because the excess weight pulls the pelvis forward and strains the lower back, creating lower back pain. According to the American Obesity Association, women who are obese or who have a large waist size are particularly at risk for lower back pain.
http://www.spine-health.com/wellness/nutrition-diet-weight-loss/weight-loss-back-pain-relief


If you feel that this is not the case then ask to see an Orthopaedic Consultant.
Click to expand...

It makes total sense as it's only since I have put on the last couple of stone that walking, standing and even more personal things have become really hard. I can walk with a stick but as a young 46 year old I am ashamed to do this. I guess even walking afew times around the block with a stick will help with the weight loss.
God I am so ashamed of myself x
 
Why don't you write a separate post about your diabetes, how you control it, the sort of things you are eating and people may be able to help. Please don't feel ashamed, there are many people here who have had to lose weight. We are not all perfect.
 
Gosh I don't think I could admit to people on here what I eat and how after over 30 years I do not have any control over my diabetes, I keep on telling myself I will try to low carb etc but when.hubby brings chocolate and biscuits home and dishes up massive meals of pasta and meat and potatoes it's bloody hard x
 
We've heard it all before tbh.

Perhaps it would make you feel more comfortable to set up an anonymous account before giving out any info.

It's crucial you are honest with yourself and others in order for you to make progress with your health.
 
nicbarnett said:
Gosh I don't think I could admit to people on here what I eat and how after over 30 years I do not have any control over my diabetes, I keep on telling myself I will try to low carb etc but when.hubby brings chocolate and biscuits home and dishes up massive meals of pasta and meat and potatoes it's bloody hard x
Click to expand...

We all contribute in advising each other ..... if that's the way thru for some people, so be it. It sure is for me.

I reckon we can at least point you in the right direction if you're unsure about diet. Mike :)
 
You would be amazed how many of us have been where you are now.

This forum is a great place to be totally honest, and totally supported.
It's wonderful.
 
Hi,

You don't mention whether your Dr. carried out any other tests before advising you that your weight could be the cause of you back pains.

As some contributors have already mentioned, there could well be link between your back pain and your weight, simply due to the physical strain of having to carry it, and the effect it could be having on your posture. A bad posture can strain muscles and tendons, hence causing pain.

Equally, there can be many reasons why people get back pain. For example, spending a long time sitting down each day, which puts additional strain on the lower back. Mattresses which are not giving the correct body support when sleeping. Weak core muscle strength in the abdomen and lower back areas. Previous leg injuries, which have caused posture problems that result in back pains. The list of potential causes goes on and on.

What may help you is a second opinion from a back specialist, such as an Osteopath, Physio, Cranio-Scaral therapist etc. They may well be able to advise you on the accuracy of your Dr's original diagnosis, and whether there are any other issues which may be adding to your problem.

Hope this helps.

Edited key word to 'may' from would help you . Anna29
 
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nicbarnett said:
It makes total sense as it's only since I have put on the last couple of stone that walking, standing and even more personal things have become really hard. I can walk with a stick but as a young 46 year old I am ashamed to do this. I guess even walking afew times around the block with a stick will help with the weight loss.
God I am so ashamed of myself x
Click to expand...

Ashamed? No, Be PROUD of yourself. You have recognised what might be a problem for you, you have openly discussed it,and you are looking for help. Its such a shock sometimes to find yourself not in control, and it takes alot to try and get that back. You have made some good first steps. If you feel you can go round the block safely then why not. I very recently, before being diagnosed had got to a position where I was overweight and just going through the motions. Ive lost some weight and increased my exercise. At first it was hard now its ok, small steps. good luck and as others have said if your not happy with your medical advice get other opinions. Check out recipes on this site too some great ideas.
 
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