Nutrition and Back PainBack pain in the western world is almost endemic. Reports say as much as 75% of the adult population are suffering from back pain. So what is the link between Back Pain and Nutrition? Good nutrition, weight management and exercise give your back and your whole system a chance to be healthy and to fight pain and disease. Being obese or overweight can increase low back pain, joint pain, spinal disc problems, muscle strain and other conditions. However, patients who are overweight or obese may be unaware that excess weight is increasing not only their current pain but also their risk of future problems. A combination of a weight management program, exercise and healthy nutrition will aid those with a weight issue to set and realise health goals. see www.backpainloss.com The need for calcium acquisition and storage begins very early in life—especially in the pre-adolescent years. To grow and maintain a strong spine, children need to have minimum calcium requirements in their diet. Any dietary source of calcium will count toward the child’s daily intake, but low-fat milk is clearly the most efficient and readily available. In addition to milk, there are a variety of foods that contain calcium and can help children get sufficient levels of calcium in their daily diet. As adults we need to strengthen our spines by calcium supplements. In addition glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate nutritional supplements provide a viable alternative for some patients suffering back problems. An FDA study on the effects and safety of glucosamine and chondroitin dietary supplements is currently underway, and many physicians support their use because of the low incidence of serious side effects. For patients who have evidence of osteoarthritis in their spine (as seen on an x-ray) and who have had other causes of back pain and neck pain ruled out by their health care provider, glucosamine sulfate and chondroitin sulfate may be a treatment option Patients with back problems may not be aware that diet and nutrition play a major role in nourishing spinal structures, preventing problems and healing from injuries. Using these nutrition guidelines, patients can integrate back-friendly vitamins and nutrients (especially calcium) into their diets The natural stimulus for the healing process is active exercise, which means exercise in a controlled, gradual, and progressive manner. Exercise is important and should always start off with gentle exercises. Walking, swimming, gentle stretching as long as you exercise, maintain good healthy nutrition then you are putting in place the steps necessary for recovery and prevention of future back pain from back conditions. There are many ways that nutrition can relieve or prevent back pain. Find out how this could help you by looking at www.backpainloss.com |