Can Being Overweight Cause Back Pain?

 

Understanding Back Pain from Overweight

Can excess weight cause back pain?

According to a huge study^[2] in 2017, excessive weight and obesity are directly linked with lower back pain. In this study, researchers found that obesity is a predisposing factor for future back problems.

Another cross-sectional study^[3] also found an association between obesity and back pain. Besides these studies, there is still a high prevalence of obesity, causing back pain.

And to your surprise, the prediction, according to these studies, is that the prevalence of obesity will continue to increase in the coming decades as well.

Everyone has their challenge in staying within the weight guidelines.

Have you ever tried to carry around a 20-pound bag all day long? It's really the same thing if someone is 20 pounds overweight.

While many studies show a correlation between overweight and back pain, many studies link obesity to other factors. Obesity has a relationship to heredity, culture, and our modern society. Obesity may be secondary to our sedentary lifestyle and habits. These same habits lead to inactivity, deconditioning, and inflammation of the body's chemistry. These same factors can contribute to the development of back pain.

Regardless of the strength of the scientific correlation between obesity and back pain, common sense holds. We know that obesity leads to a number of medical conditions and risks that can contribute to back pain. Weight has a significant impact on back pain and recovery from it.

 

What is Obesity or Overweight?

In the US alone, about 2 out of 5 people suffer from obesity^[4]. Obesity and overweight are defined as the excessive or abnormal accumulation of adipose tissues (fat). If the body weight is 20% more than it usually should be, it is considered obese. However, to accurately measure our weight status, we should know our BMI score.

BMI is an acronym for Body Mass Index. It is a measure of our body fat, depending on our height and weight.  There are four BMI categories depending on the score.

BMI Categories	BMI Score
Underweight	<18.5
Normal Weight	18.5–24.9
Overweight	25–29.9
Obesity	A BMI of 30 or greater

 

We can easily calculate our BMI by dividing our weight in kilograms by our height in meters squared. If the BMI score is 25 or greater, it is called obese, and the person is more likely to get back issues. 

Excessive fat puts more stress on the discs, bones, and joints around the spine. As a result, they start to wear out sooner. This is because these structures of our bodies are not designed to bear the extra weight that we put on them. There are small joints in the back of the spine called facet joints. When there's excessive pressure put on it in the form of extra fat, the discs may start to dehydrate and tear.

 

Types and Symptoms of Back Pain Due to Obesity

Back pain associated with obesity is typically experienced in different regions of the back. Each region has its own set of symptoms. Here is an outline of how obesity contributes to back pain in different areas:

(1) Upper Back (Thoracic Region)

• Muscle Strain: Excess weight places significant pressure on the muscles in the upper back. These back problems can lead to stiffness and discomfort, particularly in individuals who are overweight.
• Kyphosis: Obesity can exacerbate poor posture and contribute to the development of back problems. It results in an increased curvature of the upper spine (kyphosis), which can cause pain and stiffness.

(2) Middle Back (Thoracic Region)

• Thoracic Spine Compression: Overweight individuals often experience back pain, particularly in the mid-back area, due to thoracic spine compression.
• Nerve Irritation: Excessive weight puts pressure on nerves. It results in radiating pain and numbness in the middle back.

(3) Lower Back (Lumbar Region)

• Lumbar Lordosis: An increased curve in the lower back is known as lordosis. Excessive fat results in straining the muscles and can lead to chronic pain.
• Degenerative Disc Disease: A high ratio of body fat to muscle accelerates wear and tear on spinal discs. It leads to degenerative changes that cause pain in the lumbar region.

General Symptoms

• Chronic Pain: Obesity-related back pain is like a constant thorn in one's side as it is chronic, persistent, and worsens with physical activity or prolonged standing.
• Limited Mobility: Individuals may experience difficulty bending, twisting, or sitting for extended periods due to back pain.
• Radiating Pain: Depending on the area affected, the pain may radiate from the back into the buttocks, thighs, or even down the legs.

 

How to Treat Back Pain Caused by Obesity or Overweight?

The strongest muscles in the body are located on the back. Every pound on the body puts more strain on the spine. Therefore, reducing the weight will automatically reduce the pressure on the spine, and hence, the back pain is alleviated.

Physical therapists employ a variety of therapies, including massage, back relief products, manual therapy, and electrical stimulation, to loosen muscles, alleviate inflammation, and reduce back pain.

High-quality medical back braces, such as those from Fivali, provide support and alleviate strain on the spine.  Not only do these braces help reduce pain, but they are great for improving posture.

However, there's a notable gap in the market for plus-size individuals when it comes to effective back braces. Fivali, a company attentive to plus-size needs, recognizes this gap and offers specialized XXL back braces. These braces are designed to provide adequate support and comfort for larger body types.

From addressing one of the most concerning questions, "Can being overweight cause back pain?" to providing treatment recommendations, we hope this article will be of some help to you. When it comes to innovation at every inch, Fivali stands out from the crowd. Each Fivali brace is tailored, keeping individuals who struggle in mind. Discover how Fivali raising the bar in plus-size comfort with their range of specialized back braces.

 

References:

[1] Back pain in the U.S. - Statistics & Facts. Available at: https://www.statista.com/topics/4333/back-pain-in-the-us/ (Accessed: 18 June 2024)
[2] Associations between Obesity and Spinal Diseases: A Medical Expenditure Panel Study Analysis. Available at: https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/14/2/183 (Accessed: 18 June 2024)
[3] The association between obesity and back pain in nine countries: a cross-sectional study. Available at: https://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12889-015-1362-9 (Accessed: 18 June 2024)
[4] Overweight & Obesity Statistics. Available at: https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/health-statistics/overweight-obesity (Accessed: 18 June 2024)