Weight loss and increase in back pain

AngInCanada
AngInCanada Posts: 947 Member
edited December 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
I've had the odd ache and pain in my back for years but i started my weight loss journey March of last year and my back has never hurt so bad. The more weight I lose, the more it hurts which baffles the doctor. I had a ct scan done which showed multilevel Osteoarthritis in my upper back and narrowed nerve entry points at the t4 t5 level but nothing crazy. They didn't scan below t10 despite complaints of lower back pain so not sure what's going on down there, I'm assuming just more Osteoarthritis. I'm waiting for a MRI which takes a year to get in for and the doctor just said "work on your core".

So I'm curious if anyone has had experience with increased back pain while losing weight and also what good core exercises would be good yet gentle on the back

Replies

  • Sued0nim
    Sued0nim Posts: 17,456 Member
    It sounds coincidental...deterioration at the same time as weight loss, I imagine if you hadn't been losing weight it might have been far worse

    Good core exercises I would say you need a decent physio who is aware of your condition to help out together a suitable programme
  • AngInCanada
    AngInCanada Posts: 947 Member
    It sounds coincidental but still weird. Dr Google tells me that some people experience increase back pain when losing weight because the posture is different.
  • BrianSharpe
    BrianSharpe Posts: 9,248 Member
    I've got osteoarthritis in my lower back that (I'm going to jinx myself) hasn't given me any grief for years.

    My initial plan of attack was based on the Runners World Fast Abs workout...

    runnersworld.com/workouts/lolo-jones-core-workout

    I've since added more strength training based on the Stronglifts 5 x 5 program, more rowing, running & cycling..... start slowly and good luck!
  • Cherimoose
    Cherimoose Posts: 5,208 Member
    Did you increase your activity level or exercise? If so, how?
  • AngInCanada
    AngInCanada Posts: 947 Member
    Cherimoose wrote: »
    Did you increase your activity level or exercise? If so, how?

    I did start running longer distances. I had jogged on and off for years but really got into it when I started eating better which was may of last year.
  • pebble4321
    pebble4321 Posts: 1,132 Member
    I suspect it would be related to more or different activity rather than the weight loss directly.
    Have you tried reducing your running to see if that helps the pain?
  • arditarose
    arditarose Posts: 15,573 Member
    Yes. I experienced back pain when I was at a lower weight. Why? Who knows. I think it had more to do with strength training heavy at the lower weight, with less fat on my body and minimal fat intake.
  • AngInCanada
    AngInCanada Posts: 947 Member
    pebble4321 wrote: »
    I suspect it would be related to more or different activity rather than the weight loss directly.
    Have you tried reducing your running to see if that helps the pain?

    I actually haven't ran in a few weeks and no reduction in pain I even get chiropractor adjustments.
  • B4Rachael
    B4Rachael Posts: 155 Member
    Try doing some hip exercises, to strengthen your muscles.

    https://runnersconnect.net/running-injury-prevention/the-relationship-between-hip-strength-and-running-injuries-the-latest-research/


    running.competitor.com/2016/03/injury-prevention/7-injuries-that-could-be-causing-your-hip-pain_146473
  • lemmie177
    lemmie177 Posts: 479 Member
    I used to get lower back pain that got worse from running, worser still from sitting for long periods. For me, it was a combo of bad posture (anterior pelvic tilt) and tight hip flexors from running/sitting.
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