Sitting all day can be painfully hard work, eat better to give your back a helping hand
When you hear “back pain” you might think about hurting yourself after lifting something too heavy. If you study long hours, drive a lot, or work in an office then you’ll probably think about sitting for too long in the same uncomfortable position. But few people might think the cause of back pain could be due to what they eat.
Are you someone who suffers from lower back pain, whether acute or chronic? Well, what if I told you that your back pain may be directly connected to your digestive tract and gut health?
The body consists of complex physiological systems that work together to keep you healthy. Sometimes, when one system is out of whack, it causes a ripple effect that negatively impacts other systems.
One of the most common digestion and spinal health connections is the link between constipation and lower back pain.
Here are some reasons why back pain might occur:
- Eating foods that create inflammation in the body can cause muscles to contract and not relax, which can lead to muscle spasms in the lower back.
- You may have already hurt your lower back, and these injured muscles are in spasm. These spasms stop the movement of food in the digestive tract and the bowels, therefore causing constipation and more pain.
- You may take prescription drugs for back pain. These medications, like opioids, may cause constipation as a side effect.
If you experience back pain, take a look at the types of foods you’re eating, stay hydrated, and get the proper amount of fiber in your diet — balancing soluble and insoluble fibers. All of this may help to keep you regular and not constipated while also lessening the back pain you experience.
One approach you can take is trying an Elimination Diet. The Elimination Diet, also known as the “exclusion diet,” is a way to identify the foods that you might be intolerant to or allergic to. A list of common inflammatory foods you can try and stay away from are in the chart above.
Editor’s note: If you’re dealing with back pain, or inflammation caused from the foods you eat, it’s recommended you see a doctor or dietitian who specializes in this subject before making any major changes to your diet or exercise habits. The content here is for information purposes only.
Photo obtained via Wikimedia Commons