If you’ve ever had a few drinks and noticed a back pain, you may be wondering if the two are related. While it may not be the only cause of back pain, studies are beginning to suggest that there may indeed be a link. Here’s what you need to know:
How Alcohol Affects Your Spine
– Interferes with calcium absorption: Alcohol can interfere with the absorption of calcium, an essential nutrient for bone growth and maintenance. Over time, this can lead to the weakening of the bones in your spine and elsewhere in your body.
– Dehydrates the body: Alcohol is a diuretic, meaning that it can cause dehydration in the body. This can lead to a decrease in spinal disc height, which in turn can cause issues like bulging or herniated discs.
– Slows healing: Alcohol can also slow down the natural healing processes in your body, meaning that any damage or inflammation in your back may take longer to heal.
Understanding the Risks: When Is Alcohol Use Most Dangerous for Your Spine?
The relationship between alcohol and spine health is complex, and factors such as age, frequency and duration of consumption, and overall health status are all thought to play a role. Here are some of the biggest risk factors to be aware of:
– Heavy, chronic alcohol use for those over age 50 can lead to a condition called alcoholic myelopathy, in which nerve damage occurs and causes difficulty with walking and balance.
– Binge drinking, or the consumption of large amounts of alcohol in a single session, is thought to have greater negative impacts on the body than steady, chronic consumption.
– Drinking alcohol while also smoking further compounds the negative effects on bone and spine health.
What You Can Do to Protect Your Spine:
While cutting out alcohol altogether may be the best approach for some, for many it’s simply not desirable or realistic. Here are some tips for reducing the negative impacts of drinking on your spine:
– Keep Consumption Moderate: Following guidelines for what constitutes “moderate” alcohol consumption can help limit the negative effects of alcohol on your spine. This typically means a single drink per day for women, and no more than two drinks per day for men.
– Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water alongside your alcoholic beverages can help counteract the dehydrating effects of alcohol.
– Exercise Regularly: Exercise has been correlated with stronger bones and healthier spines. Additionally, building up your core strength through abdominal and back exercises can also help reduce existing pain.
– Eat a Balanced Diet: Making sure that your diet is rich in nutrients like calcium and vitamin D can help maintain overall bone health.
In conclusion, the relationship between alcohol consumption and spine health is complex and is influenced by a wide range of factors. However, the evidence suggests that there is a clear link between the two, and that reducing alcohol consumption may be beneficial for those seeking to protect their backs. By understanding the risks and taking steps to protect your spine, you can enjoy your drinks without worrying about the negative health effects they may bring.