Looking To Gain Weight?
For many people, weight loss is a common objective, but what about weight gain? For some individuals, maintaining or increasing weight is just as challenging as losing weight. Some people have a low body mass index (BMI) or are underweight. Others try to gain more size and muscle mass for athletic or aesthetic reasons. Gaining weight healthily takes time. However, back pain can add a layer of complexity to this goal. Weight gain often requires resistance training and other lifestyle changes. Understanding the source of back pain and possible treatment can help those looking to gain weight do so safely.
Reasons to gain
There are several reasons to add weight. First, some individuals need to do so for improved health. For instance, nutrient deficiencies and certain autoimmune conditions can prevent a person from maintaining a healthy weight. Adding pounds can improve overall health through increased muscle mass and better organ function. For women, low weight can lead to irregular periods or infertility. Adding weight can also help improve energy output from more calories. Finally, from an aesthetic standpoint, weight gain can help an individual’s self-esteem and improve the overall quality of life.
When back pain limits weight gain
Several conditions and situations limit weight gain. These include malabsorption issues, chronic disease, genetics, and eating disorders. However, in healthy adults, increasing weight requires more calories from whole foods and proper exercise. Eating without exercising can lead to excess fat, which can cause health and self-esteem problems later in life. Resistance exercise is a vital part of adding muscle mass. Chronic back pain can limit movement or the ability to lift weights. More than 80% of Americans struggle with back pain. Some are caused by strains and sprains, but most cases are linked to issues with the spine, including herniated discs, arthritis, spinal stenosis, and many other conditions.
Diagnosing and treating back pain
Gaining weight healthily with back pain is a challenge. To resolve the issue, the first step is to find the root cause of the pain. Next, speak with a doctor to perform tests to diagnose the reason for back pain. From there, the doctor can suggest a treatment plan. Treatment includes pain management medications, physical therapy (PT), steroid injections, nerve blocks, or surgery.
Increasing weight with a bad back
Patients will still want to maintain a healthy lifestyle even while treating back pain. The first step is to tell the doctor treating chronic back pain about the goal of gaining weight. The doctor can provide a tailored treatment plan and suggest ways to add pounds healthily. From there, the patient can perform many of the activities to help with adding mass, scaled down. Resistance exercise with lighter weights is an example, and Low-impact activities like swimming or walking can tone the body. Over time, gradually add more resistance exercise repetitions and weight once back pain improves. Next, pay attention to nutrition by adding more protein, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats to help gain weight.
Pack on pounds without pain
Gaining weight with back pain is a challenge. Pain hinders a healthy lifestyle, which is essential for weight gain. Make sure to address the back pain first. A range of surgical and non-surgical treatments are available. A doctor can help patients choose the right approach based on the severity of back pain. While treating the pain, be consistent with all weight gain activities within reason.
