Is dehydration the reason for your back pain?

Is dehydration the reason for your back pain?

These days you can't turn your head without being reminded of the importance of drinking enough water. But does getting enough H20 really affect how you feel on a daily basis? Could dehydration be contributing or even to blame for your pain?

Absolutely yes!

Most people don't drink enough water and this is an issue that should not be taken lightly. If you suffer from back pain, you should check how much water you drink daily, as dehydration can have serious detrimental effects on the spine.

The discs between the vertebrae in your spine are mostly made of water. When your body is dehydrated, the discs are at risk of shrinking, which can put pressure on the spinal nerves, causing pain and even neurological symptoms. Chronic dehydration can even cause the spine to become less stable, which can lead to slipped and herniated discs. So the answer is an affirmative yes; Not drinking enough water can absolutely affect how you feel every day - especially when it comes to back pain!

Worryingly, many people suffer from debilitating back pain for years without knowing that dehydration could be the cause. Because dehydration can lead to lack of flexibility and joint stiffness, many people may mistakenly believe that they have arthritis or another chronic illness when their body is simply lacking water.

Of course, back pain is just one of many symptoms that dehydration can cause. Here are just a few other reasons to keep up your water intake:

To maintain good circulation

Dehydration can cause persistent headaches as well as dizziness, blurred vision and hearing problems.

For good energy levels

When your body is dehydrated, you may feel weak, tired, or exhausted. This is usually because dehydration causes the blood to thicken and the heart has to work harder to pump blood throughout the body. It's always better to drink a glass of water than a cup of coffee or a sugary drink when you need an energy boost.

To maintain a healthy weight

Low water intake can lead to slow metabolism and weight gain. Most people find that they lose some weight naturally by drinking more water daily.

For healthy sinuses

If you don't drink enough water, you risk drying out your sinuses and the lining of your lungs, which can sometimes lead to breathing problems.

The damaging effects of dehydration on the body could take up an entire book. This article simply highlights some of the most common ones. Make a concerted effort to add more water to your fluid intake. You are likely to notice some positive changes in your health.

Important note: Some of the above symptoms may be caused by other medical conditions. The possibility of dehydration should be considered once other causes have been eliminated. Contact your doctor if you are concerned about any of your symptoms.

Inspired by Etienne Dupont