There is extensive documentation on obesity and lower back pain. However the relationship between lower back pain and obesity remains controversial. A Finnish study on young adults looked at the association between the prevalence on lower back pain and weight-related factors.

Obesity causes an excessive mechanical load on the lumbar spine, often resulting in lower back pain.

Obesity may also cause low grade systemic inflammation – resulting in lower back pain. In addition, C-reactive protein has been associated with sciatica. However this association is less common with lower back pain.

The results of the study were an increased prevalence of lower back pain in those subjects with higher levels of:

- body mass index
- waist circumference
- hip circumference
- waist to hip ratio
- serum leptin
- C-reactive protein

Obesity can cause other problems too:
- Cardiovascular Disease
- Hypertension
- Diabetes (Mellitus Type 2)
- Osteoarthritis (e.g. knees)
- Infertility
- Cancer

Links:
- Lower Back Pain (Blog)
- Lower Back Pain (Resources)

Posted by Mr. Trishul Vadi (Principal Osteopath in West Wickham, Beckenham, Bromley & South East London) on Thursday, August 19th, 2010