Can Rapid Weight Loss Cause Back Pain?

It is well established that being overweight or obese increases the chances of experiencing low back pain. With that in mind, it makes sense to view weight loss as a back pain treatment. However, rapid weight loss can cause back pain in a number of ways.

Malnutrition

Rapid weight loss diets often revolve around the principle of ketosis, where the body burns fat due to a decrease in the supply of sugars it receives to burn. Low carb diets fall into this category. By eliminating cereals and fruits, you will lose some of the nutrients that you usually receive. The whole body is affected by malnutrition; muscles will not be able to function properly and may spasm or weaken, causing them to tense easily.

If your diet restricts certain food groups, you should take supplements to make sure your body is getting the nutrients it needs. Look for diets like Ideal Protein that take steps to compensate for the loss of nutrients.

Dehydration

Low carbohydrate diets like Atkins and Zone are diuretic diets; increase water loss to lose weight quickly. If you are not informed or educated, it is easy to become dehydrated while following one of these diets.

The body is made up of approximately 70% water. Spinal discs depend on water to maintain height and their ability to absorb shock. Dehydration reduces the fluids available to the spinal discs, which could lead to rapid disc degeneration, bulging, or herniation. Muscles also need fluids to receive and absorb electrolytes. When you become dehydrated, your muscles begin to cramp.

If you want to be on a low-carb diet, make sure your plan includes instructions on water intake.

Loss of muscle tone

Some people pursuing rapid weight loss plans with a low calorie intake are told to avoid strenuous activities such as exercise for a time, as the body is adapting to less fuel. Being sedentary can cause a rapid loss of muscle tone. The muscles of the lower back and abdomen are designed to work together to support the alignment of the upper body and spine. As these muscles soften, posture can be affected. Various muscles in the back, neck, and shoulders become sore and tight due to poor posture.

Excessive exercise

Some people’s weight loss plans involve regular high intensity exercise to help burn fat. If you are eating fewer calories and burning more, you can put your health at risk.

Your body needs calories for energy and repair. If you are exercising your muscles harder and giving them less fuel to work with, you are more susceptible to stress. Also, not getting enough rest for muscles to heal is a cause of back pain among dieters. Intense workouts shouldn’t be done on a daily basis.

Gallstones

Although the exact reason for this is unknown, diets that are very low in fat and / or calories can disrupt the functioning of the gallbladder. This organ helps the liver digest fats. A limited supply of fat is believed to prevent the gallbladder from contracting and releasing its bile on a regular basis, which could lead to the development of stones as substances in the bile stagnate and harden.

Gallstones and bile retention cause the gallbladder to become inflamed. Since it is very close to the muscles of the lower back and abdomen on the right side, inflammation of the organ can cause radiating pain in the back and stomach.

Warning: if the weight loss is unexplained

If you are losing weight without dieting and have back pain, this could be a sign of a serious medical condition. Cancerous tumors of the spine can cause weight loss, changes in appetite, fatigue, back pain, vomiting, fever, and / or neurological problems. If you are losing weight unexpectedly, seek medical attention.

For some people, losing weight quickly is a must. For others, it is a choice. Reaching a healthy weight is a goal to be pursued for the sake of your back and for your quality and length of life. Be careful with fast diets. Look for plans that pay attention to nutritional requirements and hydration. If you experience back pain on a rapid weight loss diet, it could be a sign that your body is not getting what it needs or that you are exercising too much.

Don’t let back pain get in the way of your weight loss goal. Choosing the right diet will ensure that you lose weight quickly and safely. If possible, consult a trusted health professional about your diet plan.