A link between obesity and painYou might be surprised to learn that being overweight or obese can increase your risk for low back pain, sleep disorders, spinal disc pain and joint pain, due to added strain on the spine and joints.

So what can you do to prevent pain?

While weight loss is the best way to decrease obesity related pain, there are other things to consider as well. The ability to lose weight requires you to be both active and healthy, which can be hard to do if you are in pain and overweight.

Try these simple things to kick off your new healthy lifestyle:

Visit Your Doctor
Before you begin any new exercise regime or healthy lifestyle change, you should always check first with your doctor. Your doctor can provide advice to help you find the right types of programs to meet your physical needs.

Interventional Pain Procedures
When aches and pain make it difficult to perform daily tasks or to exercise, interventional pain procedures can often help improve function. Minimally invasive procedures, like epidural injections, nerve blocks and radiofrequency ablation can reduce pain, allowing individuals to complete physical therapy, chiropractic care and even exercise safely. Talk to your pain specialist to see if you might gain improved function with the help of an interventional procedure.

Get the Right Kind of Support
Getting the right gear to be successful is often the first step to help you improve your overall lifestyle. So, before you get out and hit the pavement, be sure to get the right equipment.

Supportive shoes make a big difference in everyday walking and during exercise. It is best to go to a store with trained personnel who can help answer your questions. Beyond supportive shoes, you might need a new supportive mattress as well. Sleep plays an important role in healthy living because sleep is when your muscles and body recover and rejuvenate.

Walking Assistance
If lack of mobility keeps you inside, you might benefit from the use of a walking assistance device. A walking companion, brace, or cane can often help provide support as you try to increase the amount of time you spend being active. These aids can allow you to improve and build muscle strength while still providing support, when needed.

Healthy Eating
A new, healthy diet is a great way to kick start your healthy initiatives. Eating well balanced meals that include vegetables, fruit, dairy and whole grains can help you gain more energy. If you have specific questions about changing your diet, consult a nutritionist or your doctor.

Need more advice? Check out some simple stretches you can do to reduce back pain and some exercise movements and office stretches.