The diabetic disease process can be a contributor to chronic back pain. Diabetes can damage the human body from the eyes to the feet if left untreated, and the spine/back is a prime target. Data from 11 studies consisted of individuals over 18 years of age diagnosed with type 1 or type 2 diabetes. The results showed individuals with diabetes had a 35% increased risk of experiencing lower back pain. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, around 34 million people will be found to have diabetes in 2021. Diabetes primarily impacts blood sugar/glucose levels. However, the disease can affect several of the body’s systems. It is a state of chronic inflammation.

Diabetic Back Pain Connection

The connection between diabetes and back pain include:

Neuropathy

Diabetic neuropathy happens when constant high glucose levels damage/injure the nerves. The result is symptoms like pain, tingling, and numbness. It affects up to 50% of individuals with diabetes and can lead to severe chronic back pain. High sugar levels damage various organ systems, including the nervous system, which results in neuropathy that causes pain/discomfort.

Bone Health

A complication that diabetes can cause is compromised bone health. High glucose levels can damage the collagen that makes up bone. This creates an increased risk of vertebral and other types of fractures. The high-risk compounds fractures that do not heal properly or correctly. Diabetics have an increased risk of fracture because of the increased accumulation of advanced glycation products. This substance forms when proteins or lipids combine with sugar. With time these products can cause damage to various tissues, including bone.

Obesity

Obesity contributes to the development of type 2 diabetes and is also a complication that results from incorrect glucose level management. Regardless of which came first, the added weight is a major contributor to back pain because of the added pressure/load on the spine. Excess weight and physical inactivity can result in serious issues to the musculoskeletal system.

Additional Factors

Poorly controlled diabetes also reduces muscle blood flow and increases cartilage inflammation. Other types of tissue damage can occur, like degeneration of intervertebral discs and spinal canal stenosis. Disc degeneration and spinal stenosis are common causes of back and neck pain. Diabetics are prone to infection/s. This can cause back pain if it is in the bone, known as osteomyelitis.

Diabetic Back Pain Management

Some steps can help ease pain and discomfort.

Getting Involved In Physical Activity

Exercising/physical activity is a must. The body must move to get all the systems flowing, improving diabetes and back pain. A sedentary lifestyle can take back pain to new levels with time. Even though when pain presents itself, the first instinct is to stop and rest. Simple ways to get moving include:

• Walks
• Stretches
• Gentle laps in a pool
• All can help with:
• Improved blood flow
• Aids in weight loss
• Recommended for both conditions
• Exercising releases endorphins, the pain relief chemicals the body produces naturally.

Reducing Stress

Reducing stress will help manage back pain. A few ways to decompress and reduce stress include:

• Meditating
• Listening to relaxation/soothing music
• Stress therapy
• Yoga can reduce physical pain and discomfort throughout the body

Quitting Bad Habits

Smokers have a significantly higher risk for low back pain compared to non-smokers. Nicotine can alleviate pain short-term, but over time the nerves become more sensitive and can increase the pain. Alcohol use can help numb the pain short term, but it can cause muscle spasms and dehydration, intensifying the pain. Complications can arise if taking pain medication. The most important thing is managing diabetes effectively. Injury Medical Chiropractic and Functional Medicine Clinic will help the individual feel better, move better, and keep back pain away.

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Body Composition

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Vitamin D and Healthy Blood Sugar Levels

Vitamin D benefits muscle health, muscle mass, and blood sugar. Insulin is the hormone that lets blood sugar into the muscles. Individuals with adequate blood vitamin D levels significantly lower the risk of hyperglycemia than those with below-recommended levels. Research shows daily vitamin D supplements combined with calcium decelerate the gradual rise in blood sugar in those with prediabetes. Adequate vitamin D levels can prevent the progression of hyperglycemia. Supplementation is beneficial for individuals going through a deficiency. Adults should aim for a dietary intake of 600 800 IU per day. However, supplements are never a substitute for a healthy and diverse diet.

References

Pozzobon, Daniel, et al. Is There an Association between Diabetes and Neck and Back Pain? A Systematic Review with Meta-Analyses.PLOS ONE, vol. 14, no. 2, 2019, doi:10.1371/journal.pone .0212030.

“Diabetic Neuropathy.Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 3 Mar. 2020, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetic-neuropathy/symptoms-causes/syc-20371580 .

Murray, Cliodhna E, and Cynthia M Coleman. “Impact of Diabetes Mellitus on Bone Health. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, MDPI, 30 Sept. 2019, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6801685/. 

Groen BBL, Hamer HM, Snijders T, van Kranenburg J, Frijns D, Vink H, et al. Skeletal muscle capillary density and microvascular function are compromised with aging and type 2 diabetes. Journal of Applied Physiology. 2014;116(8):9981005. pmid:24577061

Eivazi M, Abadi L. Low Back Pain in Diabetes Mellitus and Importance of Preventive Approach. Health Promotion Perspectives. 2012;2(1):808. pmid:24688921