It couldn’t be more clear, then, that healthy weight loss is essential for active participation in all areas of your life. However, in this article I want to focus on one particular place in the body that is more often than not the most visible confirmation of excess weight and obesity. You may have already guessed that I’m alluding to the body’s midsection. Take Santa Claus for instance. Though he may have been jolly once a year, with that extra weight in his belly it is likely that he suffered from painful musculoskeletal problems the majority of the year! It might be helpfu, at this point, to tell you that I’m also a chiropractor. That’s why I know from years of experience that men and women, like Santa, who carry too much weight in their belly, often suffer from back pain that is moderate to severe.

Why do so many overweight people experience back pain? First of all, the spine was not intended to bear excessive weight. Now, don’t get me wrong, the spine is elegantly structured. But, part of its function, as it is in every other internal system of the body, is to compensate when asked to perform in ways that are repetitive and/or “unnatural.”  The spine begins to distort and compress when it is stressed from excess poundage. This “reconfiguration” produces a great deal of pain and discomfort. Furthermore, as part of the spine’s extraordinary compensating features, over time the extra pounds will force the pelvis to tilt forward as a counterbalance. In many cases this repositioning may pinch the sciatic nerve. In fact, most people who are overweight suffer from lower back pain that is frequently accompanied by sciatic nerve pain.

Weight loss takes the stress off of the spine and allows it to function normally. But, getting rid of back pain and sciatica, though good motivators to lose weight, are just two of the many healthy reasons to shed those extra pounds. As a healthcare professional, I believe that it is vital that weight loss and weight maintenance come about in a natural, nutritious, and healthy way. However, as I previous stated, I understand, as a weight loss Dallas specialist, that losing excess weight is both difficult and, if done in a healthy manner, takes time even with the best of intentions. The good news is, you don’t have to lose it alone. In many areas around the country, there are centers like mine, and doctors like me, who understand how to help you lose the weight you need to lose in a way that will help you to feel good as well as look good. Remember, every day your body is compensating for those extra pounds, so don’t wait to lose that weight! Your health is at risk. Don’t let excess weight keep you from living your life fully.

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