These days, you can’t turn your head without being reminded of the importance of drinking enough water. But does an adequate supply of H20 really make a difference to how you feel on a daily basis? Could dehydration be contributing to or even to blame for your aches and pains?
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, it’s worth evaluating how much water intake you get on a daily basis as dehydration can have serious damaging effects on the spine.
The discs between each vertebra in your spine are largely made up of water. If your body is dehydrated, the discs are at risk of shrinking which can add pressure on the spinal nerves, resulting in pain and even neurological symptoms. Chronic dehydration can even lead to the spine becoming less stable which can cause herniated and bulging discs. So the answer is an affirmative yes; not drinking enough water can absolutely affect how you feel on a daily basis – especially when it comes to back pain!
Worryingly, many people suffer from debilitating back pain for years without even realising that dehydration could be the cause. As dehydration can lead to a lack of flexibility and joint stiffness, many people can wrongly assume they are suffering from arthritis or another chronic disease, when their bodies are simply lacking water.
Of course, back pain is just one of a host of symptoms that dehydration can cause. Here are just a few other reasons to keep up your water intake:
To Maintain Good Circulation
Dehydration can lead to persistent headaches, as well as dizziness, blurred vision and hearing difficulties.
For Good Energy Levels
If your body is dehydrated you may feel weak, fatigued or exhausted. This is usually because dehydration causes the blood to thicken, resulting in the heart having to work harder to pump the blood around the body. It’s always better to drink a glass of water than a cup of coffee or a sugary drink if you feel in need of an energy boost.
To Maintain a Healthy Weight
A low water intake can lead to a slow metabolism and weight gain. Most people find that they naturally lose some weight just by drinking more water on a daily basis.
For Healthy Sinuses
If you are not drinking enough water your sinuses and the lining of your lungs are at risk of becoming dry, which can sometimes lead to breathing issues.
The damaging effects of dehydration on the body could take up an entire book; this article simply highlights some of the most common. Start making a focused effort to add more water to your fluid intake. You’re likely to see some positive changes to your health.
Important note: Some of the symptoms mentioned above can be caused by other medical conditions and the possibility of dehydration should be considered when other causes have been eliminated. Contact your health care provider if you are at all concerned about any of your symptoms.