Laser Spine Institute Blog

If you're overweight, you already know the countless reasons why shedding those excess pounds can be beneficial to your overall health. But, if you also suffer from chronic neck or back pain, did you know that reaching a healthy body weight can also serve a positive purpose for your spine?

Aside from reducing the risk of heart problems and the other overall health benefits that losing weight can offer, dropping those frustrating extra pounds can also ease the burden your spine has to deal with every day. This, in turn, can help slow or prevent the natural degeneration of the anatomical components of the spine, which quite often is the true cause behind chronic back or neck pain. Whether you're suffering from a bulging disc, pinched nerve, spinal arthritis, or some other degenerative spine condition, reducing the stress and strain on your spine caused by excess body weight can only help.

Winter can be a particularly difficult time of the year emotionally, as the cold weather keeps you stuck inside and away from the friends, family, and activities that you otherwise might be able to enjoy. This is especially true for those suffering from chronic neck or back pain, as pain and other symptoms can even further limit your ability to get up and around and enjoy life.

However, even if the snow or bitter cold outside is keeping you shut indoors, there are still some great ways you can avoid the winter blues, especially if you're dealing with chronic or neck pain. Of course, you should always speak with your doctor before trying any activity or treatment plan, but here are some great ideas:

It is not every day that a Laser Spine Institute patient can boast of completing a triathlon - but Steve can.

At 59 years of age, Steve has overcome his back pain and maintained his passion for biking, swimming and running. But he wasn't always sure such an active lifestyle would be possible for him.

In May of 2008 Steve was hit with unseen back pain during the USAT National Championship Triathlon in Las Vegas, Nev. By 2009 Steve was unable to stand for more than five minutes without debilitating back pain.

If you suffer from chronic neck and back pain, you have probably seen the initials M.D. and D.O. next to the names of surgeons. You might have heard that there is a significant difference between the capabilities of medical professionals with these two degrees and that perhaps you might receive a different level of care based on what letters follow a physicians' name. Dr. Michael Perry explains that there is not much at odds between the two, especially when it comes to helping you find relief from your back and neck pain.

Q: What do all of those letters stand for?
A: M.D. stands for Doctor of Medicine and D.O. stands for Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine.

Q: What is the education level of each of these doctors?
A: Both M.D.s and D.O.s complete four years of basic medical education, spend three to six years in residency and can choose a specialty area of medicine - such as psychiatry or surgery. They are both licensed by the state, and are internationally recognized as medical doctors.

Millions of individuals are hitting the gym this month, having resolved to lose some weight in the New Year. Shedding those pounds has many health benefits, including reducing your risk of developing back and neck issues.

Obese individuals are far more likely to develop neck and back problems than individuals with a healthy body weight. Obesity is one of the most common factors that can contribute to spine conditions such as spinal degeneration.

While most people understand the correlation between being overweight and heart and lung disease, the toll that supporting excess body fat takes on the lumbar spine, in particular, should not be overlooked.

The spinal column is a complex part of the body and by introducing the variable of additional weight, you greatly increase the pressure placed on the spine. Here are some things to keep in mind when considering weight loss and your spine health: