With so many people suffering from back pain and back injury there is little wonder that many of them have contributed to the condition through lifestyle choices. In fact, obesity and smoking are two of the leading causes of not only back conditions but other major medical problems and issues. Bad posture and being in poor physical shape can also lead to back pain as well as stress being a contributing factor to it. There are some things that can obviously be done about all of these lifestyle choices and then there are some extra options if they are needed that can be provided by an orthopedic surgeon.

Clearly, if you are a smoker who is overweight and inactive then the advice you would most likely be given is to quit smoking, and lose weight by becoming active. Sure, simple advice but too simplistic for it to work. Many of those that are obese have restricted movement and are unlikely to be active due to the sheer weight that is placed on the joints and limbs. However, an active lifestyle as well as a reduction in calories is one of the most effective ways to reduce weight and therefore reduce back pain – and joint pain.

Seeking the advice of an Orthopedic medical center, an obese patient is able to commence specific exercises that can help to reduce weight without putting any excess pressure on the already over compromised back and joints. This can be done under strict supervision and strength building is often a very successful way to reduce excess weight as well as build muscle in the patient. By working closely with an Orthopedic team the patient can learn to build strength as well as lose weight, and thereby start to implement the strategies to improve the physical outlook of their life.