By Introduction
Back pain is very common. It affects people of all ages and backgrounds. Whilst medicine and lifestyle changes can help, it’s important to be conscious of what you’re drinking. Certain drinks can make back pain worse, such as by causing inflammation, spasms, and dehydration.
This article will explain why some liquids should or shouldn’t be consumed if managing back pain. It will also suggest alternatives that have been proven to help reduce and manage the pain.
Caffeinated Beverages
Caffeine affects the central nervous system. It has been linked to chronic back pain in some folks. Moderate amounts of caffeine can help reduce pain, but too much can hurt. Let’s find out why caffeinated drinks can be dangerous for back pain sufferers.
Coffee
Coffee is ancient and much-loved. It is made from roasted beans of the coffee plant. It likely originated in Ethiopia in the 11th century. People enjoy its flavor and alertness-inducing properties.
An 8 ounce cup of brewed coffee contains 95 milligrams of caffeine – more than double cola. So it should be consumed with caution by those with back pain. Caffeine can stimulate muscle contractions. Thus, limiting or avoiding coffee may be needed.
Those with chronic inflammatory disorders like rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis should opt for decaffeinated drinks. Caffeine may worsen their condition.
Tea
Coffee and tea both contain caffeine, which can worsen back pain. Despite some people claiming tea is helpful for stress, it contains a stimulant drug which is not recommended for back pain sufferers. Generally, all types of tea contain some amount of caffeine, but green and white teas generally have lower amounts than black or oolong teas.
Caffeine is a stimulant drug. It gives alertness and energy by briefly raising heart rate and blood pressure. In small doses, caffeine can be beneficial. But too much intake can create anxiousness and agitation. For people with back pain, too much caffeine can cause extra muscle tension in their backs.
Therefore, people suffering from chronic back pain should avoid consuming caffeinated drinks like coffee and tea. If you want to drink these drinks, get decaffeinated versions or limit intake to one or two cups per day.
Energy Drinks
Energy drinks are notorious for their high caffeine levels. Plus, they may also have stimulants such as guarana and taurine. Knowing how much you drink is crucial; too much of these stimulants can cause muscle pain and tension.
Coffee has about 80 mg of caffeine per 8 oz cup. But, many energy drinks have double that amount! So, it’s important to know the specifics. Just check the nutrition facts label to see how much caffeine is in each drink.
Here are some popular energy drinks:
- Monster Energy
- Red Bull
- Rockstar
- AMP
- NOS
- Full Throttle
- Reign Total Body Fuel
Carbonated Beverages
Carbonated drinks can be a major reason of backache for many. Not only are they full of sugar and calories, but the carbonation itself can add to the pressure on the spine, resulting in pain and distress.
Let’s look closer at why these drinks can be so bad for backache sufferers.
Soft Drinks
Back pain sufferers should be aware of the risks of soft drinks. Refined sugars can contribute to weight gain, increasing the risk of back pain. Carbonation causes pressure on the lower spine, leading to further inflammation. Avoiding sweetened carbonated drinks is essential in reducing pain.
Furthermore, caffeine and phosphoric acid can be harmful if consumed in large quantities. Caffeine is a diuretic, depleting the body’s water reserves and leading to muscle tightening. Phosphorus leads to increased uric acid, worsening joint pain and inflammation.
It is best to avoid sweetened carbonated beverages or keep them to occasional treats. Healthier hydration options include:
- Water
- Unsweetened teas
- Coconut water
- Fresh juices without added sugars
Sparkling Water
Carbonated water, or sparkling water, is a low-calorie beverage often flavor-infused with natural juices. It may be an attractive alternative to sugary drinks, yet carbon dioxide can be a major issue for those with back pain. It causes gas pockets in the body’s muscles and joints, making them stiff and sore.
If you drink more than 2 liters each day, it can lead to calcium levels that are too low. This can then lead to bone density issues or osteoporosis. It’s not the best choice for back pain sufferers.
An excellent hydration option is plain water. If you want something more flavorful, freshly squeezed citrus fruits can be added to plain seltzer or sparkling mineral waters. These contain less carbon dioxide than regular sparkling water, and are free of additives and artificial sweeteners.
Alcoholic Beverages
Back pain can be really tough. To reduce it, certain beverages should be avoided. Alcoholic drinks are one of these. Know the damage they can do to your back health. In this article, we list the alcoholic drinks that people with back pain should not consume:
Beer
Beer is an alcoholic beverage made from grain, which has been fermented and flavored with hops. It contains around 4-6% alcohol by volume, depending on the type. Carbonation and pasteurization levels vary. There are many styles of beer, like malt beers, ales, pilsners, lagers, and IPAs.
Those with lower back pain due to age or health issues such as sciatica should be wary of certain types of beer. High alcohol and carbonation levels can worsen pain. Light beers should generally be avoided, as they contain more carbohydrates which turn into sugar in the body. Overconsumption of full-strength beer can cause dehydration, worsening pain symptoms.
Near-beer or non-alcoholic beer can be consumed occasionally with caution, as they still contain some carbs. People with back pain should be aware that even low-alcohol beer may cause irritation when metabolized. Drink responsibly and pay attention to any reactions.
Wine
Alcohol is not the best solution for back pain. It can further worsen discomfort due to increased inflammation and dehydration. Avoid fortified wines, port, and sherry as they contain higher alcohol content than regular types of wine. White wine is recommended due to its lower alcohol content. It is best to stay away from alcohol and try herbal teas, smoothies, or juices instead. However, if you decide to drink alcohol, go for white wine.
If you suffer from chronic pain, it is best to seek medical advice before drinking any type of alcohol.
Hard Liquor
Alcohol affects us all differently. But, it’s essential to remember that alcoholic drinks weaken core muscles, impair coordination and change posture – all of which can lead to back pain.
Hard liquors, like whiskey, rum, tequila, and vodka, cause dehydration and muscle spasms in the back. So, these should be avoided. Other alcohols, like beer, wine, and light liquor (gin or white rum), can cause weight gain. This adds stress on your spine and affects proper alignment. This increases the risk of chronic or acute muscle pain.
Drinking distilled spirits is not ideal for avoiding back pain. However, there is a way to enjoy hard liquor safely:
- Stay hydrated by drinking water in-between drinks and non-alcoholic beverages throughout the day.
- If you do choose to drink hard liquor on occasion, consider diluting it with soda water or juice. This will reduce the amount of alcohol consumed, and its potential negative effects on your body.
Conclusion
Liquids count in your diet. It is important to manage low back pain and other chronic pain conditions. Avoid sugary drinks like soda, energy drinks, and sports drinks. They can raise your blood glucose levels. Alcohol can also have a bad effect on inflammation. So, it is best to avoid it or only have it occasionally.
Drink lots of plain water. This can help provide nutrients for healing.
Green tea may reduce swelling for arthritis due to its flavonoids, catechins, and antioxidants. Golden milk with turmeric may decrease inflammation too. Studies show it works for arthritis. Decaffeinated coffee may help lower back pain due to anti-inflammatory compounds in coffee beans. More research is needed on this.
Staying hydrated is important for all health conditions. Eat a balanced diet with the right foods. Don’t overdo drinks with empty calories, like caffeine or sugar. They can worsen low back pain if you have too much.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are some drinks to avoid for back pain sufferers?
A: Back pain sufferers should avoid drinks that are high in caffeine, alcohol, and sugar. Some examples include energy drinks, soda, and cocktails.
Q: How does caffeine affect back pain?
A: Caffeine can increase muscle tension and cause dehydration, both of which can contribute to back pain. It can also interfere with sleep, which is important for overall back health.
Q: What are some good drink options for back pain sufferers?
A: Water is the best option for staying hydrated and helping to reduce inflammation. Other good options include herbal tea, low-sugar fruit juice, and coconut water.
Q: Can drinking alcohol worsen back pain?
A: Yes, alcohol can increase inflammation and trigger muscle spasms, both of which can contribute to back pain. It can also interfere with sleep quality, which can exacerbate back pain symptoms.
Q: Is it okay to drink energy drinks with back pain?
A: No, energy drinks are high in caffeine and sugar, both of which can contribute to inflammation and muscle tension. They can also interfere with sleep, which can worsen back pain symptoms.
Q: Can drinking water help relieve back pain?
A: Staying hydrated is important for overall back health, as it helps to reduce inflammation and supports the intervertebral discs. Drinking plenty of water can also help to flush out toxins and improve circulation.
