Back Pain

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.

While science may not have established a concrete link between flare-ups of arthritic pain and colder weather, many of those who suffer from arthritis can certainly vouch for a connection between the two. With the cold winter months in full swing, if your spinal arthritis symptoms have been increasing in frequency or severity, here are some tips for managing symptoms in colder weather:

• Get plenty of rest, especially after exercise.
• Maintain your diet - winter months also mean the holidays are here and all the tempting food that comes with them. Stick to a healthy diet to avoid making arthritic issues worse.
• Drink plenty of fluids.
• Keep up with medication and other treatment plans - don't let holiday plans or the cold weather outside get you off track with your exercise, medicine, or other doctor-approved treatment regimens.
• Try hot or cold therapy - heating pads and/or ice packs can be great ways to help mitigate pain, and a hot pack can feel especially therapeutic when the temperature outside plunges.

Debilitating symptoms of chronic back and neck pain are sometimes linked with depression and the general feeling of "the blues." It can be even more likely that you'll feel down in the dumps during the warmer summer months, when friends and family members are often participating in fun outdoor activities that you simply might not be able to enjoy due to your severe back or neck pain.

However, nobody should have to suffer mental anguish on top of their back or neck pain. Your doctor may already have you on a treatment plan to mitigate the physical symptoms of your spinal condition, but you shouldn't forget to monitor your mental and emotional health, too. Here are some basic tips to help you avoid feeling depressed when your back or neck pain flares up: