Maintaining an optimal weight relative to your height, and body type will help to relieve or prevent back pain. Again, seems obvious- but as most of us are aware obesity, like back pain is a national epidemic, and there is a definite correlation between the two.
As we age, the arsenal we need to maintain in our efforts to manage our weight can change. In the teen years, some viewers may have noticed they could eat pretty much anything, and still maintain an appropriate weight. With age, beginning in the early thirties- metabolism slows, and there is a tendency towards a shift in body composition. If unchecked, this can lead to being overweight and then obese. If in your youth, you grappled with body weight, you may have noticed that it becomes harder & harder to manage as you age. Diet or exercise alone may have been effective for managing it, but now it may take both to get things back under control.
You are likely already aware of the health consequences- poor diet can lead to cardiovascular disease and a host of other problems. Few however, consider the effects of extra body weight on back pain.
Now, I am lucky in as much as I have not had back pain for many years. Where I have had problems is with my weight. In my teen years I was far too heavy, and out of shape. In college, I discovered that I really like to work out, and lost most of it- and for a long time, managed it right where I needed to be.
Fast forward to my residency. I had little time to sleep, had insane hours in the hospital, and had little access to healthy food choices,and during that time- I gained close to 30 pounds- and I have been fighting with those 30 pounds ever since.
If you read my New Years post, you know that getting myself back into shape was one of my resolutions for 2010. I got a bunch of emails from viewers who made the same resolution- but wanted to know what I was going to do achieve my goals. I then had the idea to involve you in the process, so if you have weight to lose, or fitness goals to reach- you can do it along with me!!
Last year, I was doing pretty well on Weight Watchers. In May, my wife, Donna, became critically ill, and wound up in intensive care. This pretty much derailed my efforts, as I tried to manage my kids, help my wife to recover, and keep my practice in business. Things are back on track, and I’m ready to go. Are you?
Over the next several months, I will be keeping you posted on my progress, and I will be trying out some new exercises that I haven’t done before. I’ll be paying attention to the food I eat, and anything else that I do to help me get to where I want to be. I’ll fill you in on what’s working, and what’s not.
I invite you to share your progress with me, and if you are dealing with weight AND back pain- really share your story. In 90 days, me and my editorial staff will select the best story- and the author will receive a complete Back Together package, including the DVD program, and my book Back Together- Hands-On Healing for Couples. Tell us how improving your fitness affected your back pain, your relationships, and your life.
In my experience, it is always more effective to do this with a partner. Think of me as your on-line workout buddy!
Be well!
-Andy
Banyan Tree, Coral Gables FL
