Overweight Patients Have Slower Recovery After Auto Injury
Research conducted by the University of North Carolina, Department of Anesthesiology suggests that it will take you longer to recover from an injury sustained in an auto accident if you are carrying around too much extra weight. This means that losing some of your excess pounds is a necessary, proactive step to not only improve your health, but too reduce your risk of possible injuries that could occur in a future car crash.
Their study included 1,000 adults who had checked into an emergency department within 24 hours after a car accident. Overall, 37% were classified as normal weight, 32% were overweight, 18% were obese, and 13% were morbidly obese.
Every participant rated their pain levels on a scale of 0 to 10, focusing specifically on discomfort in the back, neck, shoulders. Patient assessments were conducted at the emergency department as well as six months and 12 months later.
Researchers discovered that the heavier a patient was, the more likely they were to report pain. The pattern was initially noted after the immediate onset of the injury as well as at the six and 12-month follow ups.
That means that if you are overweight, losing those extra pounds is necessary for overall better health as well as to prevent future issues that can occur during an auto injury. Many chiropractors can assist you in losing excessive weight with advice on proper nutrition and exercise. One study shows how chiropractors can support patients' weight loss efforts.
Reference
Taken from information presented at the American Pain Society 33rd Annual Scientific Meeting held in Tampa, Florida April 30th to May 3rd, 2014.
Taken from information presented at the American Pain Society 33rd Annual Scientific Meeting held in Tampa, Florida April 30th to May 3rd, 2014.
