Can Weight Gain Cause Back Pain? What Brandon Residents Should Know

Aches and pains are nothing new, but the causes may vary. For example, can weight gain cause back pain?

Brandon’s back pain relief chiropractor team knows many causes and can help you identify and improve them. Here’s what they say about weight gain’s association with back pain.

Why You Should Be Careful Gaining Weight

Weight gain isn’t always negative, like when a person is growing, increasing muscle mass, or recovering from illnesses that cause weight loss. Moreover, people cannot control all weight, like gains from certain medical conditions, though they can manage it.

Even so, take measures to avoid excess weight from possibly preventable causes, such as:

• Overeating
• Medication
• Physical inactivity

Too much weight can cause obesity, which can lead to high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and other health conditions. While obesity depends on each person’s physiology, which BMI does not account for, there’s no denying it harms your health.

The Many Results of Weight Gain

Even before reaching obesity, excess weight changes your posture, center of gravity, and bones. Therefore, the answer to, “Can weight gain cause back pain?” is yes, though the specifics differ from person to person.

Posture Changes

Your spine supports about half of your body weight, sometimes more when standing. Additional weight, whether from natural chest development, growing, or avoidable measures, can cause posture changes.

For example, many people slouch as a method of relieving spinal pressure. However, slouching is counterproductive, leading to muscle strains and even pinched spinal discs. Brandon employees and students who sit often should be careful to keep their backs straight or obtain seating support to help.

Gravity Center Changes

Your center of gravity depends on your weight because your body adjusts to ensure your ability to move. As you gain weight, your center of gravity also shifts with the change, causing feelings of clumsiness. Many pregnant women and people arch their backs to accommodate the shift.

However, trying to accommodate the weight can cause back and joint pain. The muscles and bones may not be able to adjust well, causing your body to strain with excess effort. This problem can occur even with healthier weight gain, like if the person was previously underweight.

Bone Changes

Your weight and spine are strongly interconnected. Apart from the spine, it can also affect other bones, including ones in various places:

• Legs
• Arms
• Waist
• Chest
• Shoulders

Excess weight gain in children can damage their bones, from density to length issues. Adult obesity can cause joint and disc discomfort and even increase the likelihood of fractures. After all, excessive weight and gravity impact the body more than someone within healthier weight limits.

How Chiropractic Care in Brandon, FL, Can Help

Can weight gain cause back pain? Yes, but citizens in and around Brandon, FL, have an expert team of chiropractors who can help relieve the pressure naturally. Brandon Chiropractic Associates works with locals to combat bone-related issues, from degenerative disc disease to chronic pain. Contact the team for detailed care and to start increasing your quality of life today!