Reduce Pain With Your 2013 New Year's Resolution | Advanced ...

Between 40 and 50 percent of Americans pledge to make New Year?s resolutions each year, and health-related goals consistently rank among the most popular. People make these resolutions to look or feel better in the coming year, but there are also significant long-term pain prevention benefits.

You might be surprised to learn that maintaining a proper weight and basic level of fitness is crucial to protect your spine and major joints from excessive strain, wear and tear.? In fact, people who are overweight are at greater risk for low back pain, sleep disorders, spinal disc pain and joint pain, due to added weight-related strain on the spine and joints such as the knees, hips and ankles. It makes sense if you think about it; more weight means more pressure and strain that can cause pain.?

?Losing weight is the best way to decrease obesity-related pain, but there are certainly other things to consider,? said Satvinder Dhesi, MD, a physician with Advanced Pain Management in Milwaukee. ?The ability to lose weight requires individuals to be both healthy and active. There are many elements that can help people reduce stress and become more active, including: physical therapy, interventional pain procedures, supportive shoes, walking assistance devices and even investing in a supportive mattress.?

Along with decreasing pain or one?s risk for long-term chronic pain, other weight loss benefits include:

• By losing 5-10 percent of body weight, blood pressure is lowered and LDL (?bad?) cholesterol is reduced.
• Lowering body weight can improve sleep apnea and other sleep problems.
• 90 percent of all diabetes, 80 percent of heart disease and 60 percent of cancers are preventable with healthier lifestyles and normal body weight.

?We encourage everyone to choose healthier eating and exercise habits in the New Year,? said Dr. Dhesi. ?Weight loss is really the first step in an overall healthier life.?

So as you think about your New Year?s Resolutions this year, consider the pain reducing benefits of losing weight.

What are your resoultions for 2013? Tell us your thoughts!

Source: http://www.apmhealth.com/blog/2012/12/reduce-pain-with-your-2013-new-years-resolution/

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