Gastric Bypass May Help Lower Back Pain

According to some doctors, gastric bypass may reduce back pain if you’re morbidly obese.

Back pain, especially in the lumbar region is a common ailment among adults. Many times it is caused by the stress put on the back from carrying excess weight.

It is not surprising that as the obesity rate rises, so does the incidences of lower back pain. Gastric bypass surgery can help people lose the weight and decrease their lower back issues.

The lower back carries most of the bodies weight and is also the main pivot point. The abdominal muscles help stabilize this area. When extra weight is added to the body, the lower back has to work harder, causing strain on the muscles. Abdominal muscles tend to lose their tone when people gain weight which reduces the amount it can help the lower back. When people lose weight after gastric bypass, the strain on their back is relieved.

Physical therapy is often the preferred treatment for back pain. Structured physical therapy at a professional center will not only work on strengthening back muscles, but will focus on weight loss and tummy muscle toning too. If this doesn’t work, doctors will then entertain possible surgical options.

When trying to improve back pain through weight loss with gastric bypass, people need to also work on strengthening their abdominal muscles. When the doctor gives the go ahead for exercise, sit ups, crunches, and other abdomen work outs should be initiated. Not only will these exercises improve muscle tone, they will help lose belly fat and firm loose skin. Having a toned abdomen not only looks good, but is functional as well. It will do half the work for the back, making for a happy midsection and spine.

For obese patients needing back surgery, gastric bypass may be the answer. Excess weight has been associated with less than idea outcomes of corrective back surgeries. The extra weight puts strain on the spine which inhibits normal healing. Most overweight patients are counseled to lose weight before the surgery, but many do not or cannot. Gastric bypass, lap bands, or other weight loss surgeries will help the pre-op patients reach optimum weight loss goals before back surgery. Some patients may even be able to postpone their back surgery due to pain cessation or alleviate the need for surgery altogether.

Your lower back pain doesn’t have to be an everyday part of your life. It is treatable and manageable. Success often depends on the compliance of the patient to exercise regimes and weight loss. When weight loss is not attained by conventional methods, gastric bypass can assist with losing unwanted weight. Getting rid of excess weight can not only improve self esteem, but it can make back pain disappear. The need for invasive procedures on the back,such as cortisone shots or surgery, can also be alleviated thought weight loss.