How Chronic Back Pain Can Affect Diabetes

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Healing Back Pain

I always wanted a job where I could work with my hands, but after I started working in construction, I found myself with another problem on my hands. I was lifting heavy items all day long, and it really took a toll on my back. I found myself wincing in pain, and it was really discouraging. I realized that if I wanted to keep working, I would need to find a way to help my back. I turned to a great chiropractor in my area, and he really helped me to tackle my issues. After only a few treatments, I had less back pain and a wider range of motion. Read here about more ways a chiropractor can help you.

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How Chronic Back Pain Can Affect Diabetes

17 June 2019
 Categories: , Blog

If you have diabetes and suffer from chronic back pain, it is essential that you get it treated as soon as possible. While prescription pain medications can manage your pain, they have the potential to raise blood glucose levels. Because of this, you should consider alternative treatments for your pain, such as physical therapy and chiropractic care. Here are some ways back pain can affect your diabetes and what you can do about them:

Stress And Cortisol

Chronic back pain, especially if severe, can raise both your stress levels and cortisol levels. When this happens, your blood glucose levels can also rise. Chiropractic massage can help relieve your back pain and muscle soreness, and may also help you sleep better at night.

People with chronic back pain often suffer from insomnia, which may be unhealthy for diabetics. Insomnia is also thought to be a risk factor in the development of new-onset diabetes. Physical therapy can also help manage your back pain while improving your mobility. If your pain is located in your upper back as opposed to your lower back, you may benefit from occupational therapy, especially if your pain affects your arm mobility.

Before seeking chiropractic care or physical therapy services, get a comprehensive physical examination so that your physician can determine where your pain is originating from. While muscle, nerve, disc, and spinal problems are the most common causes of back pain, it may be related to kidney disease, neurological disorders, and diabetes-related circulation problems.

Immobility And Weight Gain

If you suffer from pain in your back, you may become immobile and subsequently gain weight. It is essential that diabetics get regular exercise and keep a healthy weight because failure to do so will result in elevated blood sugar levels.

If you are in severe pain, make an appointment with your chiropractor for a massage or spinal treatment. This can help you regain your mobility so that you can exercise. While you may not feel like doing strenuous exercise because of your pain, you should at least try taking leisurely walks to help stave off poor circulation and muscle weakness. You will gradually start to regain your stamina so that you can resume your normal exercise regimen. This will help stabilize your blood sugar levels so that you do not develop hyperglycemia. 

If you suffer from chronic backaches, make an appointment with both your family physician and your chiropractor. When you consult with both of these doctors, you can develop a plan of care that will not only keep your diabetes under control but also your pain.