Reaching a healthy weight is one of the most common pieces of health advice you’ll hear today. But, what if we told you that extra pounds could be exacerbating your chronic pain?
Weight and chronic pain conditions are closely linked. While this may sound discouraging, it gives you the power to achieve pain relief through healthy weight management. At Hernando Orthopaedic, we’re here to support you every step of the way with proven weight loss methods and pain management.
Read on to learn more about how weight affects chronic pain.
The Link Between Weight and Chronic Pain
Being overweight or obese is known to worsen chronic pain in a few key ways. For one, excess weight increases the impact on your body with day-to-day motions. This means that when you walk, run, or even stand, the excess weight leads to more stress on your muscles and joints. Over time, this impact can accelerate the development of degenerative conditions, potentially leading to chronic pain.
Additionally, excess fat cells in the body release substances that trigger chronic, low-grade inflammation. Inflammation has been directly linked to chronic pain, as it increases nerve sensitivity, triggers swelling, and compromises the body’s recovery process.
Some of the most common chronic pain conditions to affect individuals with obesity include chronic back pain, fibromyalgia, and osteoarthritis.
Weight Management as Part of Your Chronic Pain Treatment Plan
If you struggle with chronic pain, reaching and maintaining a healthy weight may significantly improve your symptoms. One study found that losing approximately 10% of body weight led to far-reaching pain reductions.
We offer the hCG diet to help our patients safely reach an optimal body weight. This proven weight loss method provides rapid weight loss without hunger pangs or adverse effects.
Reach out to the team at Hernando Orthopaedic today to learn more about reaching a healthy weight for chronic pain relief.