Chronic pain and weight gain?
Hello all.
I've been dealing withchronic pain in my lower back off and on for about seven years now. I manage it with anti-inflammatories(ibuprofin, and recently, when that stopped working, naproxin) and exercises to strengthen and stretch my back muscles as instructed by a physical therapist. I tend to have episodes where the pain is worse than usual, often coinciding with depressive episodes, stress, and weather changes. I've noticed that during these periods, I gain anywhere from ten to twenty pounds, which comes off when the pain subsides and I can resume my usual exercise routine. I'm a very athleticperson, and when I'm in so much pain that I can't exercise, this also makes my depression worse because fitness is how I cope. I'm worried about the long-term effects that weight cycling will have on my health as well.
I guess I'm curious if anyone has similar experiences with chronic pain. Does anyone else's pain level seem change/get worse, even if it's always there at least a little? Is it normal to have trouble maintaining your baselineweight when this happens?If so, does anyone have any tips for weight management when you're in too much pain to exercise?
Yeah, quite a few people experience fluctuating pain levels. Of course it is normal to gain some weight when you are unable to keep up with your regular exercise routine! My suggestion would be to consider altering your diet to create more of a calorie deficit at times when you are unable to exercise, in order to prevent or moderate weight gain. Be sure to be getting the nutrients you need though, as it is especially important to take care of your body when it's not in good standing!
I think chronic pain/illness and weight gain go hand in hand. All of the medicine and pain relievers have side effects of weight gain. I personally am on steroids for my illness and they are especially known for their side effects of weight gain.
Myhusband has a variety of back issues and he struggles with weight as well, and he has to be really careful excersising, because anything that would help also has the potential to make it much much worse, and then the depression sets in.
So I definitely understand where you are coming from, and I think the fact that you are able to shed the pounds when you feel better is really great. I wish I could give you some tips but I have such a hard time excersizing on a daily basis no matter the pain. But I wish you all the best.
since my chronic pain got REALLY bad about5 years ago ive gained over 100 lbs. granted, ive also not been dieting, or trying to stop the weight gain, but not changing anything besides activity level has caused me to gain a lot
