Weight Loss and Chiropractic
By Debra Rodzinak
Not only can a skillful chiropractor help to relieve aching joints and muscles, but the added benefits of a successful chiropractic treatment can possibly help patients lose weight.
An adjustment will not magically help someone drop 10 pounds after they receive a treatment, but it can help to create an overall healthier body which, in turn, can lead to increased physical activity and decrease overall back discomfort. Many patients who are on pain medications for back pain report that after successful chiropractic treatments, they were able to come off of their pain medications. This relief of chronic pain and the decrease in use of pain medications allowed these patients to relieve the physical stress on their bodies and minds, thereby helping them make healthier choices.
Chronic Pain Can Lead to Weight Gain
Anyone who has ever dealt with chronic pain understands that physical movement and sleep can be hard to find. With a decrease in a physical lifestyle and lack of sleep, two negative side effects appear: an increase in weight and a decrease in exercise. In a study published in 2013 by the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, patients who suffered from a back injury and were on medical leave from work for six months or longer, reported a significant increase in body weight. Increased pain and decreased movement are the perfect recipe for weight gain.
Chiropractic Can Lead to Weight Loss
If these patients had come to The Joint Chiropractic for a gentle spinal adjustment, they would have found improved nerve communication, more comfortable movement throughout their day, and reduced stress eating.
- Improved Nerve Communication - The nerve pathways that lead from the spine to the brain include those that control the cues that a person is hungry or full. When these pathways are open, a person is better able to judge when they need to eat and, more importantly, when they need to stop eating.
- Increased Movement - When a person is not in pain, they are able to move more comfortably and be more active. An increase in exercise means that more calories are burned, which leads to a smaller waistline.
- Reduced Stress Eating - Stress from constant pain can lead to seeking comfort from food in many people. A decrease in back pain can lead to a decrease in stress and help a person make better food choices. Healthier food choices often have fewer empty calories and increased fiber and nutrients.
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic.